In Memoriam
dance jobs around Mobile and New his A.H.S. Symphonic Band received the
Tommy King Goff (1933-2008)
Orleans, developing a love of jazz. After John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Flag
graduating from Murphy High School in of Honor, perhaps the highest honor that can
1951, he decided to come to Auburn be bestowed on a high school concert band.
University with a friend to major in
Aeronautical Engineering. After only two
A number of Tommy’s former students went
weeks, he realized he should change his
on to become professional musicians and
major to Music Education.
band directors, which pleased him
immensely. Following his retirement in
During his college years, Tommy was active 1988, he continued to stay active in the
in a number of music-related organizations, music field by adjudicating, teaching
including the A.U. Marching Band, Concert private lessons, and writing and arranging
Band and the Auburn Knights Orchestra. music for small ensembles. Throughout his
life, Tommy was a devoted Auburn
Upon graduation, he accepted the position University football fan, as well as an active
of Band Director at Lee County High participant in the annual Auburn Knights
School (now Auburn High School). It Reunion. He was a member of Rho chapter
Tommy King Goff, longtime Band Director
became the only job he ever had. In the late of Phi Beta Mu and was elected to the
at Auburn High School, passed away on
1960’s, a new Auburn High School was Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in
September 25, 2008, at East Alabama
built, and the A.H.S. band program 1989.
Medical Center. A memorial service was
flourished.
held Wednesday, October 1st, at the Auburn
Everett Johnson, who served as Assistant
United Methodist Church with Dr. George
During Tommy Goff’s thirty-two years in
Band Director at Auburn high School from
Mathison officiating.
the Auburn City School System, the A.H.S.
1983 until 2005, wrote the following,
bands - concert, marching, and jazz (lab) -
“Many of his students credit him with being
Tommy Goff was born June 13, 1933 in
all became known for their excellence,
one of the most important influences in their
Mobile, Alabama. A self-described “C and
innovation, and mature playing style.
lives. Tommy Goff was truly one of the
D student” until he discovered the trumpet
Tommy and the bands he directed won
most inspiring, unique, and outstanding
and the band, Tommy found that his new
many awards, gave a number of invited
individuals most of us will ever know, and
passion fueled a pursuit of excellence in
performances, and received numerous
the Auburn High School Band “Family”
other areas of his life as well. During high
superior ratings at State Contest. In 1987,
will never forget him.”
school, he also made extra money playing
ala breve 21
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52