Remembering EPHS’ Dick Fairbanks

Former music students and much of East Providence were saddened to learn of the passing last month of a Townie icon and beloved music educator, Richard ‘Dick’ Fairbanks.  He was a masterful choral director at EPHS for 30 years and also worked with the East Providence Community Chorus.  Fairbanks retired in 1989 after a memorable career leading the music department at EPHS.  In particular, he was known as the hard working, affable choral director for the school’s Meistersingers (mixed boys and girls) and the elite all girl Choraleers.  Fairbanks also directed the popular East Providence Community Chorus from 1962-1972.  He directed many professional grade musicals at the school which dazzled sold out audiences every year.  His staple performances were the annual spring and winter holiday concerts along with the annual musical.  The former EPHS auditorium held 1200 patrons and most years every seat was filled for each event.  As one former student recently wrote, “I can still see and hear the Choraleers walking in from the rear of the packed auditorium, holding candle lights and singing "let all mortal flesh keep silent," followed by "Oh Holy Night."  At the conclusion of each Christmas concert every year, Fairbanks would raise the house lights and in his booming. Melodic voice, invite all former Townie choir members to come on stage and join that current class for the big "el yivneh hagalil" ending.  Many came forward.  It was an epic tradition looked forward to each year by graduates.  Under his leadership, he brought the Choraleers and Meistersingers on concert tours in Europe, Portugal, Hawaii and Bermuda.  His teachings inspired hundreds of students to excel in music and life in general.

Upon hearing of Dick Fairbanks’ passing, many former students posted on social media.  Here is a sampling of comments:

“I am so saddened to hear this news. Loved our Music Department. Every year at this time I think of our Christmas concert and miss those moments.”

“I remember fondly walking down to the stage singing “let all mortal flesh keep silent”, and he would always give us a big smile while directing a song.”

“So saddened to see this. I was lucky enough to be his student. He was an amazing teacher. He had the ability to encourage his students to reach for the stars and believe in themselves. May he Rest in Peace. May his memory be eternal.”

“I remember walking down that aisle and singing all those songs.”

“He was a fantastic and encouraging teacher. I always treasure what he did for all of us. May he rest in heavenly peace.”

“Wonderful memories. Because of him and others like him I am still singing in choruses 56 years later!”

“Such wonderful memories of him and the fun had in the Choraleers. My favorite class!”

“Such sad news. Radio stations are starting to play holiday music and that always brings me back to our EP Christmas concerts and how much fun we had. RIP.”

“I learned so much from him that helped me direct music in 4 different churches. R I P dear friend.”

“Wonderful man, great teacher and funny to boot. Mr Fairbanks will never be forgotten! One of a kind.”

“Definitely in everyone's EP faculty Mt. Rushmore. Great guy! RIP Dick!”

“Mr. Fairbanks is surely leading a Heavenly Choir of Angels.”

The EP Reporter sends condolences to the Fairbanks family and friends.  The Fairbanks family announced that a committal service followed by burial will be held at a future date at the Mettawee Valley Cemetery, Granville, NY. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations made be made in his name to the Chorus of East Providence, PO Box 14563, East Providence, RI 02914.