It is with sadness that I write to inform the school community of the recent passing of Neville Forsythe, a fine musician and highly respected, long-serving member of the Hagley staff.

Neville’s contribution to music over the years has been far reaching, as a performer, a teacher, and a passionate advocate for performance music.

Not only was Neville one of New Zealand’s preeminent experts on the Recorder and early performance music practice, but he was also a highly respected teacher and mentor to many of New Zealand’s fine bassoon players.

As a young ITM (Itinerant Teacher of Music) in the Hagley unit, I fondly remember school concerts where Nev would not only introduce the bassoon, but also his family of recorders. I was spell bound by the sound and range of instruments he demonstrated on, as were members of the audience. He has always had a warmth of character when working with students and an enthusiasm to share his knowledge with others.

Neville was also a passionate advocate and leader, who secured the future of the Itinerant Music Scheme as we know it today and when it came under threat, he sharpened his pencil and fully committed to ensuring those in high places understood the full value of the ITM unit.

Modest and humble, and incredibly generous with his time, Neville was always a willing hand when working on Performance projects like the Orchestra Holiday Course, where he could be seen not only teaching or conducting, but helping out with the planning or popping chairs away, taking photos or chatting enthusiastically with a student over morning tea.

Neville’s passion, knowledge and his inexhaustible willingness to work with and help others, made him a highly valued and respected member of Christchurch’s music community. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his wife, Evelyn, and children.

Māku e kii atu, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Nicky Fogden-Smith

Director of Forte attached ITM unit