Laura J. McBride
1957-08-30 2006-01-02
Laura Anderson McBride, 48, of Woodbridge VA, fomerly of Urbana, died Monday (Jan. 2, 2006) at Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA.
Mrs. McBride was born Aug. 30, 1957 at Urbana, a daughter of James and Barbara Lee Anderson. She married Robert McBride on Nov. 9, 1991, in Alexandria, VA. He survives.
Survivors also include her mother of Urbana; and two sisters, Janet Golaszewski of Urbana and Beth Jannusch of St. Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Mrs. McBride graduated from Urbana High School in 1975. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Western Illinois University in 1980 and began her teaching career in the Illinois public schools from 1980 to 1985.
She received a master of music degree from Virginia's James Madison University in 1987, and was completing course work toward a doctorate in wind conducting from the Cincinnati Conservatory when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991. At that time, she married and relocated to Woodbridge, VA where she lived until her death.
Mrs. McBride's first teaching position in the Washington area was as assistant band director at Woodbridge High School from 1991 to 1992. She then spent eight years as the director of bands at J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church.
She joined the staff at the newly built Westfield High School in September 2000, as director of bands. Her bands consistently received superior ratings at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association band festival and earned recognition by performances at the Virginia Music Educators Association State Convention, the Festivals of Music Awards Ceremony in Boston, and the Bands of America Festival in Indianapolis.
In addition to her involvement with the Fairfax County Public Schools, she served as head director of American Music Abroad Honor Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras' Blue Tour. Working with AMA each summer, she led select groups of young musicians on two-week concert tours through Europe. She performed regularly as a clarinetist with the Virginia Grand Military Band, Fairfax Academy Band and Capital Wind Symphony.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Westfield High School Music Booster Club" as Westfield High School, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantily, VA 20151, or to a local high school band or music booster group.
Mrs. McBride was born Aug. 30, 1957 at Urbana, a daughter of James and Barbara Lee Anderson. She married Robert McBride on Nov. 9, 1991, in Alexandria, VA. He survives.
Survivors also include her mother of Urbana; and two sisters, Janet Golaszewski of Urbana and Beth Jannusch of St. Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Mrs. McBride graduated from Urbana High School in 1975. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Western Illinois University in 1980 and began her teaching career in the Illinois public schools from 1980 to 1985.
She received a master of music degree from Virginia's James Madison University in 1987, and was completing course work toward a doctorate in wind conducting from the Cincinnati Conservatory when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991. At that time, she married and relocated to Woodbridge, VA where she lived until her death.
Mrs. McBride's first teaching position in the Washington area was as assistant band director at Woodbridge High School from 1991 to 1992. She then spent eight years as the director of bands at J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church.
She joined the staff at the newly built Westfield High School in September 2000, as director of bands. Her bands consistently received superior ratings at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association band festival and earned recognition by performances at the Virginia Music Educators Association State Convention, the Festivals of Music Awards Ceremony in Boston, and the Bands of America Festival in Indianapolis.
In addition to her involvement with the Fairfax County Public Schools, she served as head director of American Music Abroad Honor Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras' Blue Tour. Working with AMA each summer, she led select groups of young musicians on two-week concert tours through Europe. She performed regularly as a clarinetist with the Virginia Grand Military Band, Fairfax Academy Band and Capital Wind Symphony.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Westfield High School Music Booster Club" as Westfield High School, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantily, VA 20151, or to a local high school band or music booster group.
Laura was simply one of the best. I can hear her voice so distinctly both as kids and at our last reunion when we had a great visit and lots of laughs together. Two favorite memories involve pets--the burial of her mouse 'Frenchfry' in 6th or 7th grade and 10 yrs ago hearing her talk about her cat 'Mr. Licky." Her laugh just made you laugh, and she was always smiling and laughing. I've thought of her so many times through the years and I know she must have positively influenced so many young music students. Band would not have been the same without Laura!! Missing you Laura!! Rest in peace!!
tribute by Ann Smock