Weston Noble will be missed by many

Acclaimed music educator and conductor Weston Noble's influence reached people far and wide.

Decorah residents and long-time friends Dean and Barbara Nelson say, "We remember Weston as a man of such faith and prayer."

Retired Decorah High School Band Director Jim Fritz says, "He literally changed the course of my life when I was 17 years old. He had a huge impact on my life. He was my mentor, my teacher, and my friend."

Luther College Biology Professor Scott Carlson says, "Weston will be remembered for his tremendous impact on the Luther community and the choral world. He dedicated his life to the mission of the college, and used his amazing talents to help create the outstanding musical reputation of the institution. His commitment to choral music extended beyond the college as well, and he served in a variety of music leadership roles across the nation and world. Yet despite achieving a legendary status, he was always a warm and gentle person who remembered each person he met. He would stop you in the Union to chat, ask you about your kids or church, and make you feel special. I loved to watch him conduct. It was amazing to see how much emotion he could draw out of his choirs. He will be greatly missed by all."

Decorah High School Vocal Music Teacher and Decorah Chorale Artistic Director Jason Rausch says, "Mr. Noble was a legend in the music world, especially the choral music world. His entire career was devoted to changing lives through music. You were a different person after singing under him. That is a rare person. We will never truly know the full impact of this legendary conductor. Besides all of this, he was a huge supporter of the Decorah community. You would see him at many community and high school concerts and musicals. He always had a genuine compliment to offer that made you feel so good. He loved Decorah and this town brought him much joy. He will be missed, but we celebrate all that he was for us."

University of North Texas Director of Choral Studies and former Director of Choral Activities at Luther College Allen Hightower says, " Weston Noble was a giant in the field of choral music. He was a man of profound faith in God, and that faith gave his music-making a deeply spiritual quality. There is not an American choral director today who does not owe this pioneer a huge debt. It was my honor to conduct the Nordic Choir from 2010-2016, and to labor in the house that Weston built." (Hightower held the Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music at Luther)