Alvin T. Wallace

Alvin Theodore Wallace, beloved first-born son of Evelyn Baker and Theodore Nathaniel Wallace, and sibling to Reginald Eugene Wallace (Reggie) was born on August 2, 1953 in Fort Meade, Maryland. He was suddenly called to his eternal, heavenly home on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Alvin attended elementary school in Cherry Hill, Maryland before moving to San Diego, California with his family. During this time, he began to develop a serious interest in music. When the family returned to Baltimore, Maryland, Alvin continued his interest in music by participating in numerous performances, which highlighted talented Baltimore City Public School students. Notable was his selection to the All-Baltimore Senior High School Band. Additionally, performances, such as the “Spotlight on Music” and the Solo and Ensemble Festivals, were also part of his early musical endeavors. After high school, Alvin attended Morgan State College where he majored in Music Education. At Morgan, he was instrumental in arranging music for the original Magnificent Marching Machine Band and charting half-time shows, while demonstrating musicianship, leadership, and compassion for music and his fellow musicians. Alvin was also a member of the Symphonic and Jazz Bands at Morgan, performing at multiple functions. He was a member of Tau Alpha Upsilon, a Civic Independent Organization, and a charter member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc., Eta Gamma Chapter. He graduated from Morgan State University in 1976. In 2008, he earned a Master of Distance Education degree and Graduate level certificates in Distance Education and Technology; Teaching at a Distance; Library Services in Distance Education and Foundations of Distance Education from the University of Maryland University College. While attending Morgan, Alvin met his future wife, Theresa Bush, a fellow musician and band member who performed in the original “Magnificent Marching Machine” and the Symphonic Band. They were married on October 2, 1976, and from this loving union, they became proud parents to Naima Cecily and Corey Alvin Wallace, who both inherited their parents’ appreciation of music. Alvin enjoyed being with his family at gatherings including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and cookouts, especially the “Big Boyz” picnic. He could be considered the family Barbeque Pit Master, specializing in delicious barbeque spareribs and chicken. While Alvin was always immersed in his music, he enjoyed reading, and watched movies. He is blessed to have two caring, supportive parents who celebrated over sixty years of marriage and enjoyed weekly outings with them. Affectionately known as “Resa,” Alvin adored his bride, and they were inseparable. Being a sports enthusiast, he spent time with the other Wallace family members, cheering for the three-time World Series Baltimore Orioles, sixteen- time championship winning Los Angeles Lakers, and the two-time Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens. Alvin also interviewed various family members, enabling him to compile two genealogy DVDs. Alvin performed with the Gregory Horne Jazz Orchestra, at Coppin State College, and the Baltimore Branch of the Arena Players. His career expanded to include over twenty-five years in Music Education, mainly in the Baltimore City Public School System. He was also an instructor at the Baltimore School for the Arts Outreach Program. Additionally, he served in leadership positions with the All- Baltimore City Jazz Orchestra; Summer Institute for Music; Baltimore City Gifted and Talented Program; Baltimore City Northeast Community Band; and the All-Baltimore Senior High School Band. The following Baltimore City Public Schools benefitted from his tenure: Southeast Middle School; Southwestern High School; Hamilton Middle School; and Baltimore City College High School. During this time, he organized Concert Bands, Jazz Ensembles, Marching Bands, and Woodwind Ensembles. The bands participated in various parades, homecoming celebrations, and city events. These bands traveled locally, nationally, and internationally to perform. Highlights from specific schools include: • Southeast Middle School – Recipient of citations for Concert Bands from Maryland’s Governor William D. Schaefer. Creation of the school Jazz Ensemble. Audition and acceptance of students at the St. Mary’s College of Music Festival and the Maryland Center for the Performing Arts. • Hamilton Middle School – Featured performance of the Jazz Ensemble at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for Bill Clinton, which was a part of Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke’s Train Stop in Baltimore. First and second place recognition for the Interstate Band Competition. Feature appearances for Baltimore television stations WBAL and WJZ. • Baltimore City College High School - Participation in multiple university homecoming parades, which include: Morgan State University (Maryland), Cheyney University (Pennsylvania), Hampton University (Virginia), Howard University (Washington, DC). Awards and citations for performances and numerous band competitions locally, nationally, and internationally, which resulted in Superior and Excellent ratings for soloists, the Marching Knights, Jazz Percussion, and Wind Ensembles. Performances at Baltimore City College’s football games at home and away, assemblies, community activities, such as the Mayor’s Christmas and Thanksgiving Day Parades. Recognition during Signet Bank’s 200th Anniversary of serving Maryland’s communities. Featured band appearances at Pope John Paul II’s parade (the only public school band requested to perform); NCAA March Madness Eastern Regional Playoffs Kick-Off (ESPN Sports Network coverage); Nations Bank; US Fidelity and Guarantee Centennial Celebration; Perkins Square Baptist Church Rededication Ceremonies; Grand Opening of Baltimore City’s new Convention Center, Chinese Delegation’s visit to Baltimore City, Half-time performance at the National Football League for the Baltimore Ravens at Memorial Stadium, Jazz Ensemble’s opening performance for the Count Basie Orchestra Concert at Baltimore City College. Alvin was a loving husband, father, son, and brother who leaves to mourn a loyal and dedicated wife: Theresa; children: Naima and Corey; parents: Theodore and Evelyn; brother and sister-in-law: Reginald, Sr. and Natalie; niece and nephew: Krista and Reginald, Jr.; brother and sister-in-law: Allan and Ola Bush; goddaughters: Qyana Stewart, Tiffany Smith-Jones, Michele Leak-Austin; cousins; and a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Alvin T. Wallace

August 2, 1953 - March 18, 2014