Ralph Coleman grew up on the Southside of Jacksonville on a dirt road running through palmettos and pines. The road was eventually paved, as was the path to new horizons and visions via a family donated Clarinet. Attending schools in Duval prior to the current magnet programs, there were opportunities to learn Instrumental Music through Band, (Concert, Marching & Ensembles and Jazz) Orchestra and Theater. The genres and education opportunities grew while attending Jacksonville University.
Professional Affiliations
Upon graduation, the pathway to a 40 year career began, appropriately, in a brand new school in the piney woods and palmettos halfway between Middleburg and Clay Hill. The teaching journey ended in the very Riverside school where Dad & Family walked to attend back in their generation. This teaching path became the mission of paving roads beyond visible horizons via music education. Honestly, a career that was a simple reenactment of the legacy and investment passed by my teachers. Instrumental Music is inspirational and generational and worthy to continue to journey beyond a paycheck of paper. There have been many thrilling moments and awards along this path, including serving in the local church, the Florida Baptist Convention Summer All State Program, Jacksonville Symphony and many other performing oppor-tune-ities.
Retirement Activities
Upon retirement, the life mission is the same, bringing joy to others through music while working with those who play well with others. With my wife Patricia, whom I met in the Sandalwood Hi Orchestra, we continue to share our life long musical journey. Our 3 Sons (and yes, I did play that theme song on a Saxophone moments after his birth) and our 6 grandchildren, Music has not missed a beat.
Until the Lord calls us home, our pulse of praise will continue to share the joy Instrumental Music can provide, sharing a pavement to parade memories of music and joy.
