By Deborah Larsen
Arthur James Snook
Arthur James Snook was born in Rochester, Michigan, on September 27, 1920, the son of Arthur and Mary Newberry. Snook. He attended Rochester High School and graduated in the class of 1938. Arthur began playing piano at a young age and, in 1937, became the first recipient of the Rochester Tuesday Musicale Scholarship. He was also an Eagle Scout.
Arthur was working at Pontiac Motors when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. Most of his military service was spent in New Guinea. Putting his musical talents to use, Arthur served as accompanist for some USO performers who came to entertain the troops there. Arthur was discharged from military service in February 1946 at the rank of sergeant.
After the war, Arthur studied music at the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He married, started a family, and began a long career teaching music and choir for Center Line Public Schools. He became a well-known musician and choir director who was active in his church and community organizations across the Metro Detroit area.
Arthur James Snook died on March 19, 2014, at the age of 93.