David G. Bournazian

Albany - David G. Bournazian, died at home on January 8, 2015 at the age of 86 years old. He was preceded in death, by his wife Dorothy Bournazian, and daughter, Nadine Bournazian and was son of the late Krikor and Rose Calusdian Bournazian. David Bournazian was well known for his work as a public school music educator and professional performer. 

He was born in Worcester, MA, lived in Pittsfield, MA for 11 years and in 1964 moved to Albany, NY. He received his B.A in Music from Boston University School of Music in 1954 and his Master of Education degree from North Adams State College in 1958. Mr. Bournazian’s 53 years of experience in public school education began in Pittsfield, MA where he taught music at North Junior High School and Pittsfield High School from 1953-1963. From 1964 -2005 he was the Facilitator of Fine Arts for the Mohonasen Central School District and was Director of the Senior High School Concert Band, Marching and Field Show Band, Stage Band, and Winter Color Guard organizations. He developed the music program at Mohonasen High School which led to many award-winning concert, marching and stage band performances. To foster and enhance public school music education, Mr. Bournazian served as a member of the Visiting Committee for the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools from 1971-1973, held numerous offices, including three terms as president of the Suburban Council Music Director’s Association, in 1968, 1975 and 1977, and was a Consultant and Evaluator for Empire State College. He received many awards and commendations for his contributions to music and fine arts education and music performance, including the Union College Excellence in Teaching Award, citations and resolutions from members of the New York State Legislation as well as a commendation from President Clinton in June, 1994. During the 1990s, Mr. Bournazian was also the Musical Director of the New York State Capital Region’s Marlowe & Co. Band. He served on the Board of Directors of the Albany Musician’s Union for ten years and recently retired from the board in 2013. In his last five years, he volunteered time to help with the Excelsior Drum Corp in Troy, NY.  

As a professional performer, Mr. Bournazian began his career in 1947 with a two-year duty with the U.S. First Army Band stationed in New Orleans.  After an honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Bournazian toured the U.S. as an alto and tenor saxophone player in the Neal Hefti Band from 1949-1951.  During the 1950s he performed with other noted contemporary jazz artists including Mel Torme, Frank Capp and the late Don Ellis. He also performed in the Northeast Symphonic Band during the 1980s and in 1985 performed in six European countries as a member of the American Winds Concert Band. He was a bandleader for many music groups that played across New York and Massachusetts.

David was well known for instilling among his students, fellow musicians and friends, positive thinking and advocated a positive attitude in every endeavor in life. He was an active member of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church in Troy, NY where he served as the National Assembly representative for 3 terms during his last 10 years. He was a kind, and generous person who loved his friends as deeply as his own family members. David is survived by his two sons, George Bournazian in Cary, NC and Jacob Bournazian in Washington, DC and four grandchildren David Jacob, David Giovanni, George, and Ani.

The family will receive visitors at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, 255 Spring Ave, Troy, NY 12180 on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the CHURCH with Rev. Bedros Shetilian, Pastor, officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church or the David Bournazian Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

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