Read full obituary in the Seattle Times
Distinguished music educator Dr. Barbara Reeder Lundquist died in Seattle on August 17, aged 89. Predeceased by beloved late husband Elon H. Lundquist, parents Rev. Ed and Lois Cooke, and sister Karen, Barbara leaves behind many dear friends and relatives.
A native of Hays, Kansas, Barbara earned a BM in cello performance from the University of Wisconsin, an MA at Montana State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Washington. In 1972, she married Elon Lundquist, embracing his family of 6 children. The couple made an excellent team, enjoying 33 years together.
Barbara has been regarded as the "mother of multicultural music education." While teaching in the Seattle Public Schools, she experienced the profound gap between her classical music training and the tumultuous world of inner city students, and developed new paradigms for music education. She raised awareness of the contributions of African music to contemporary culture. She was innovative, direct, thorough, and inclusive. She taught music education and sociomusicology at the University of Washington for many years, retiring as Professor Emerita. She also consulted for numerous national and international organizations, and received awards from the Kennedy Center and the MENC National Black Music Caucus.
Since 2008, Barbara has collaborated with Dr. Kedmon Mapana, now Executive Secretary of Tanzania's National Arts Council, in the establishment of Chamwino Connect as the fundraising arm of the Chamwino Arts Centre. Barbara's efforts have helped maintain its annual Cigogo Music Festival in Tanzania.