Barry Eisenberg

George you will be missed. I remember as a 9th grader seeing the choir perform for the very first time in our new high school and say to myself, " I want to be part of that." So I joined up like so many of us here. He was unlike any teacher I had ever had before. He demanded you to be present. It was unthinkable to just sail through class. If you did, you were out. He treated everyone equally, no matter if you had innate talent or not. I don't think he was after perfection, but he was after dedication, passion, and presence. He taught me the meaning of collaboration and the importance of working together to create. And he did it with respect, professionalism, and love

There are many memories, many already recounted here. Just to add a few. I remember him talking about taking us to a new show on Broadway that he had recently seen, but was concerned that it might be too "racey" for our high school eyes and ears. We finally ended up going to see "A Chorus Line" standing room only.

Who remembers the song Jack Sprat? This was a piece he had just written for a composition class at SUNY. It was friggin hard!

The trips to North Carolina were incredible. I got to go twice and have been back to the Outer Banks for most summers of my adult life in part because of my introduction to Ocracoke Island by George Trautwein.

He had a line for people who were really pushing the limits in class. I have always remembered this but don't think I was ever at the receiving end. But it's priceless:

"You are rude, crude, and unattractive."

Those early days at Blind Brook were and are special. George was such a part of that. With these memories he lives on in spirit forever. I am in awe of the love here.