Al Adams, the beloved former band leader of Mira Costa High School -- he retired in 2003 to much fanfare in his honor, 15 years after first joining the Manhattan Beach Campus -- has died. He was 66.
I have the story in today's Daily Breeze, replete with details about tonight's informal memorial on Manhattan Beach Pier, starting at 6:55 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. It's been prganized by former students, who ask those interested in attending to bring their memories, stories, even instruments, to pay tribute to the "proverbial music man" as a colleague described him.
From the many students and parents I talked to yesterday, it sounds like Adams was a really wonderful guy. Rest in peace.
Mr. Al Adams was the most kind and caring teacher to have graced Mira Costa's halls. I was devestated to hear of his loss. I was his student for 4 years, and thought of him as a second father to me, as well as many others. He will be sorely missed.
Jennifer Mills, C/O 1997