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Winston I. Christian Jr., passed away at home on January 31, 2011 after a lengthy illness. Win was born July 14, 1934 in San Antonio, TX, to Winston I., Sr. and Billie Christian. The family moved to Corpus Christi and then to Roswell, NM, where Win graduated from Roswell High School. Win attended UNM earning a BA in Education and a Master of Music Education. He taught instrumental music in Albuquerque for 22 years at: Lincoln Jr. High, Albuquerque High, Cibola High and West Mesa High Schools and several elementary schools. He joined the NM State Dept. of Education as a Music Education Specialist and became Asst. Director for Professional Development. After retirement in 1991, Win continued to support education as a consultant and worked with the NM Alliance for Arts Education. Win also served as a summer faculty member at Hummingbird Music Camp for 15 years. He founded and directed the West Mesa Jazz Festival, was Director of UNM summer music camp for four years, and participated in many other music endeavors. Honors received included the Hall of Fame in the NM Educators Assn., Teacher of the Year at Cibola High School, Teacher of the Year at West Mesa High School, and Downbeat Magazine National Music Educator Award. Win was an active member of Central United Methodist Church having served as an Administrative Board member, choir member and back up choir director. He was instrumental in the formation of the CUMC Sinfonia. Win was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ross. He is survived by his partner of 23 years, Mike Fielder; cousins, Suzanne Mills and Leslie Bresnahan; his niece Stacy Christian; and a great number of friends, students and colleagues who were taught and inspired by Win's life and music. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry Fund at Central United Methodist Church.
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