Born on February 3, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois
Departed on July 31, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
It is with a profound sense of sadness that I report, today, July, 31, 2025, 11:10 AM, the passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague, Joseph Melvin Kreines. He was 89 years old.
A giant has passed from us. Joe, for those who are not aware, is a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association Roll of Distinction. That honor is unusual due to the fact that Joe never held a band director position anywhere!
However, it is safe to say no one rehearsed and performed more clinics for high school, middle school and college bands in the state of Florida than Joe. His knowledge of literature was nonpareil. His ability to assess the needs of a group was preternatural. He was an exciting and engaging conductor who knew how to make music come alive to every level of ensemble with which he worked.
His legacy will live on in the many compositions he wrote and transcribed for bands, solos and ensembles. His reference book on literature for concert band is invaluable to directors at every level.
He was a great teacher of students. He was an even greater teacher of teachers. His six decades of working with Florida bands had a universal effect on music-making in our schools. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
Joe was not a religious man. Therefore, there will be no formal funeral/memorial service. In Brevard, we have recently organized a memorial concert for Joe on October 12, 2025, at Park Avenue Baptist Church, Titusville, FL. Please feel free to contact Jim Bishop, [email protected], if you wish to have more information.
Thank you to the many people who wrote to Joe, visited Joe and contacted Jim to relay kind words to Joe. He valued your support more than you can know.
Rest in power, Joe.
Edward (Ed) Kingfield
from
Melbourne, Florida October 1, 2025
Indeed the music world has lost a musical genius. Today I am the music specialist at Indian Harbor Montessori School in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. Teaching at this school is a privilege I cherish.
My music education began with Joe in 1989 when I was principal clarinetist of the Eau Gallie High School symphonic band in Melbourne, Florida. Two years previously I had moved from Long Island, New York. His steadfast encouragement of my efforts helped me to achieve every goal I hoped to aspire to, and did - selection to all state band in Florida every year in high school, high ratings at state festivals, and acceptance to some of the finest music schools in this country (not that I ever presumed I would be). I went on to earn two masters degrees, one of which is the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Before I went there he shared some recordings with me of CCM’s Philharmonia, Gerhard Samuel conducting. While there I played in wind symphony, learned orchestral repertoire, and taught high school part time. Joe’s guidance helped me to persevere, and I graduated from CCM in 1998.
The most important lesson I learned from this Maestro was that teaching as an art form helps everyone to grow - not just as teachers but as people. I still practice my clarinets every day and remember his influence and teachings. Thank you, Joe, for making such a difference in my life. Your influence will always remain in my life and the countless musicians you inspired and mentored.
Rest in peace and power, Joe. You are missed beyond words but I think of you and both of my parents - all of you are now at rest.
Bravo, Maestro. Because of you my work continues.
Your influence remains with all of the teachers and students you impacted so profoundly!
Rest in Peace,
Ed Kingfield, Jr.
Music Specialist - Indian Harbor Montessori School
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
M.A. in Music - University of Central Florida
M.M. In Music - UC College-Conservatory of Music
B.M.E. in Music Education - Stetson University
Born on February 3, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois