Beloved Huntington Music Teacher Dies

Andrew Edward Housholder, Huntington High School’s choral director from 1965 to 1988 whose passion for music helped shape the lives of generations of students, died Sept. 8 in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was 78.

“When I am asked about teachers that shaped my life; only a handful come to mind, but Andy is always at the top of the list,” wrote former Huntington student Hillary Hess in an online tribute on The Dunn Funeral Home website. “The epitome of teachers, a passionate musician, loving father and husband, mentor, good friend, a deeply spiritual and kind man.”

Robert Freedman added, “I was a member of the Huntington Choral Society board that brought Andy to be our director. He extended our repertoire and led us to many evenings of beautiful music. I had many memorable arguments with him over the music.”

Mr. Housholder was born on Sept. 28, 1932, in Bowling Green, Ohio. After graduating from Bowling Green High School and Bowling Green State University, he led the choir at the Guided Missile School at Fort Sill, Okla., where he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1955-57. Housholder obtained a master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam in 1965.

That same year he married Terry Smith in Oneida, N.Y., then settled on Long Island as a choir director for several schools and organizations, including the Northport School District, Huntington High School, New York University, USDAN Center for Creative and Performing Arts, Huntington Choral Society, Dowling College, Nassau Symphony, Huntington Men's Chorus and Old First Presbyterian Church in Huntington. He was also a visiting professor at Nassau Community College and Ithaca College.

Housholder’s distinguished career as a music professional spanned several decades. He led more than 40 All-State Choirs in Ohio, New York and New Jersey. He conducted at Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall in New York. Housholder took 13 choirs on world concert tours from 1971-88, traveling as far away as China. In 1975 he was honored as Choral Conductor of the Year by the National Choral Council in New York City. His 1980 Huntington High School Choir earned "First Prize Cum Laude" at the International Festival in Neerpelt, Belgium. He successfully encouraged more than 70 of his students to attend BGSU.

In 1995, Housholder moved back to Bowling Green, where he was extremely active in his hometown community right up until his death. He enjoyed cooking and golf, and was a strong supporter of the university.

A celebration of Mr. Housholder was held in March 2010, where former Huntington students were quick to sing his praises. “I have been blessed and appreciated many times for my ability to lead singing at church and other events. I received those tools from Andrew Housholder,” said Peter Hartman, class of 1984.

Michael Strube, class of 1973, added, “Andy really gave me an appreciation for music and what I can accomplish if I commit my efforts to something greater than myself.”

Mr. Housholder is survived by his wife, Terry, daughter Ellen, two grandchildren, a sister Joan and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green. Military honors will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be given to the BGSU Foundation, Bridge Hospice or Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation for the Andy Open.

Arrangements are being handled by Dunn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting their website.