Joseph R. Sugar

Joseph R. Sugar, who passed away on Nov. 1, 2009, was most recently an adjunct professor at Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus. Sugar is known to virtually every music teacher in New York State. His 56-year career as a music educator has spanned all levels of teaching, from elementary school through university. He served as president of the Nassau Music Educators National Conference Eastern Division and the New York State Council of Music Teacher Education Program. He also was an honorary lifetime member of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association and, before his death, concluded a long-term appointment as NYSSMA Government Relations Coalition Chairperson, a position through which he was a driving force in promoting advocacy for music education in schools.