What folks have had to say about Dick Jaeger

Bob Butz, a former English teacher at Jefferson High during Jaeger's tenure, created sets for Jaeger’s elaborate productions. Bob says he met Jaeger at a national music educator's convention in Chicago. “The Jeff choir was featured, and one thing struck me that there was no music on the director's stand. He had his score in his head, not his head in the score.” Butz calls his former colleague "a genius and very classy" and "magnanimous."
Jaeger responded to that with, " I always thought if the students had to memorize the music, then I should too!"

Dennis O'Brien, owner of ReMax of Lafayette, was a 7th grader when he auditioned for Mr. Jaeger for the role of the Crown Prince in The King and I. He won the part and went on to sing in Jaeger's A Capella choir when he got to Jeff. Eventually, so did O'Brien's five siblings. Says O'Brien, "Mr. Jaeger was more than a choir master. My parents separated during that time, and Dick became like a father figure or big brother to me. When I look back at my years in high school, there were three or four teacher-mentors who made an impact on my life. Dick Jaeger is NUMBER 1!"
Note: At Jaeger's retirement dinner from Jeff, Dennis’ mother presented Dick with a certificate that declared him to be an honorary member of "The Singing O'Briens." When Mrs. O'Brien passed away, Dick sang at her funeral.

Jim Hanks, retired from State Farm and on the board of Leadership Lafayette: " One of the many true givers in Lafayette is Dick Jaeger, a longtime citizen who contributes in a very unique way to the quality of life in Greater Lafayette. In a community rich with musical talent, Dick Jaeger is my nominee for our town's mythical "Mr. Music Man". His sparkling talent waves a magic baton for many musical groups. In fact, at almost every important civic function, Dick Jaeger is there - invigorating, enhancing the performance with verve and style! Dick Jaeger is a community treasure. He gives. We all benefit. Aren't we lucky to have him?"

Linda Horton, a former student, a participant in many of Jaeger’s Civic Theatre productions and a member of the Dick Jaeger Commemorative Committee says, “Dick has not only touched my life, and served as a constant source of inspiration for me, but has touched greater Lafayette’s arts community in a way no one else has ever done.”

Marta Kemble, another former student who heads the committee, says it intends to parlay gifts of all sizes to accomplish its goal. “To meet our goal we need some generous gifts, but what we really want is for the community to feel involved in honoring this local legend by donating whatever they can afford to this project,” she says.


Vince Bertram, principal at Jefferson High School, considers Jaeger a pivotal figure in the school’s history: “Dick Jaeger’s legacy continues at Jefferson High School and in this community for his contribution to the arts and improving the lives of countless children. It is only appropriate that the effort is underway to name the Recital Hall after this remarkable man.”

 

Bob Zink: “Dick always made everything fun. When we were making mistakes during rehearsals, he'd often say, 'I'll bet you'd like to do that all over again.' He has a way of making everything light, yet he gets the job done. Maybe that's a charactertistic of leadership."

Dick's dad would not permit him to play an instrument as he considered it a feminine activity. Jaeger states his mother played the piano. Two sisters were allowed lessons, but not he. It wasn't until in Indiana University he began to play. Although his father predicted that if he went into music he'd starve to death, Dick Jaeger followed his heart. He says today with a wink, "I've been paying the rent for over 50 years!" His father lived to be proud of him.

Brian Koning, one of Civic Theater's Forever Plaid quartet, wrote to the editor in 1980 when Jaeger retired from Jeff. "Mr. Jaeger has become a living legend in Lafayette and he will never be forgotten. He has provided more entertainment in this community in the past several decades than anyone else around. I wish I could persuade him to stay (teaching). He was a real "Barney" at times, but he was always there to help out in times of need. It is easy to see the impact this man has had on people!"

Charles and Kitty Bousom, after Dick's retirement from Jeff, in 1980: "Our son and daughter considered themselves privileged to be a part of the coveted and outstanding A Capella choir when they were at Jeff. They will always cherish those happy memories. So will all those other 3500 young lives he touched in his 25 years at Jeff. A teacher has the unique opportunity to mold children and youth into mature young adults; and in that art Dick has The Master’s Touch."

Dave Bangert, of the Journal and Courier, wrote in his review of the Civic Theatre production of Forever Plaid, directed by Jaeger, " This show was impeccably done, Jaeger's hand was obvious in the well-drilled harmony and pacing. The audience, practically swooning after several numbers were eating it up! After a dose of Forever Plaid, is it any wonder why Lafayette so dearly loves Dick Jaeger?"


Susan Kisinger, Civic Theatre director, says the community theater group has benefited from Dick’s talents for decades. “Would Civic Theatre be in existence without Dick Jaeger? Probably. However, our history would not be rich with 50 years of musicals directed by Dick, or with shows displaying his marvelous singing and acting abilities. Under Dick’s tenure on the board and under his presidency Civic Theatre grew from a small theatre to a mighty theatre. Yes, we would be here without Dick’s influence, but he has been instrumental in making Civic Theatre a jewel in the community’s artistic life,” Kisinger says.