Richard “Dick” Montz
(31 March 1942 to 27 December 2005)

Sydney’s jazz, classical and music education community gathered to pay tribute to Richard “Dick” Montz on January 3, 2006.  Losing his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, on December 27, 2005, Dick was laid to rest following a moving service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Cremorne (Sydney, Australia).

Jazz standards and traditional hymns were accompanied by a stellar jazz ensemble comprised of Mike Nock and Judy Bailey, pianos, Warwick Alder, trumpet, Col Loughnan, saxophone, Craig Scott double bass and Andrew Dickerson drums.

Craig Scott, director of jazz studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of music, delivered a moving and, at times very humorous eulogy.  He was very clear when stating that the great loves of Dick’s life were his family and music, in that order.  Dick was tremendously devoted to Louise, his wife, and tremendously proud of his kids, Beth and Joe.   Joe created a wonderful PowerPoint presentation for the service, which displayed Dick’s life and loves including his many and varied musical exploits as well as intimate family snaps and “Horatio-Hornblower-style” yachting photos.  Dick’s was a rich and varied life.

Playing trumpet from an early age, Dick showed all the fighting spirit it takes to be a successful lead trumpeter, right to the end.  A proud alumnus of the University of Illinois (1965) and an even prouder member of the Airmen of Note (U.S.A.F. Jazz Orchestra, Washington, D.C 1966-1970), Dick went on to play lead in Las Vegas, where he met his wife of 31 years, Louise.

During his time in Washington and Las Vegas, he performed with acts and world renowned musicians such as Nancy Wilson, Shirley Bassey, Lou Rawls, Carmen MacRae, Joe Williams, Debbie Reynolds, Juliet Prowse, Bobbie Gentry, Steve Lawrence, Edie Gorme, Shelly Manne, Conti Condoli, Stan Kenton, Johnny Richards, George Shearing, Pete Christlieb, Carson Smith, Bob Fitzpatrick, Carl Fontana; toured with the Les Elgart Band (1963), the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (1964) and the Si Zentner Orchestra (1965); plus being principal trumpet in the Las Vegas house bands (1970-1976) of the "Casino du Paris" Dunes Hotel, the "Lido des Paris" Stardust Hotel, Desert Inn Hotel Star room and the "Follies Bergere" Tropicana Hotel . 

In 1976, Dick moved to Australia where he quickly set himself up as a leading lead trumpet, playing in a variety of major recording and live situations.  His first musical love was always jazz, and he started teaching in the jazz department of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1977.  He eventually became Chair of Jazz Studies (1991-2004).  When he started in the position, the department had only a two-year associate diploma in jazz studies.  By the time Dick stepped down he had overseen the introduction of two Bachelor Degrees, a Masters Program and, most recently, a Bachelor of Music Studies.

As current chair, Craig Scott said in his eulogy, “Dick touched a great many lives while at the con.  He was a great believer in the benefit of hard work, (i.e. practice,) and was thrilled when students reached high levels of achievement.  Dick cared about the students in the jazz program at the Con deeply and was genuinely disappointed if one of them did not do well. He didn’t expect everybody to be a genius.  He only expected one thing, for people to try their hardest.”

Dick also loved classical music and was devoted to achieving a high standard in that area too.  He completed a Master of Music (trumpet performance major), at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, in 1987, studying with Gordon Webb. For that degree, he completed his thesis “THE BRASS SECTION OF THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A SURVEY OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PLAYERS FROM 1927 TO 1986” in addition to performing the premier of  Tommy Tycho’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra.   His thesis was reprinted in Volume 2 of the Australian Trumpet Guild’s quarterly journal, Mouthpiece, and has become an important reference document.

Dick’s fighting spirit is illustrated by his come-back from an accident, ten years ago, which necessitated a complete rebuilding and retraining of his embouchure.  He took up the valve trombone along the way and eventually made it back to playing professional trumpet – a feat which not only exemplifies the resolve that is needed to be a successful trumpeter, but the immense courage and inner strength that Dick possessed.

Dick’s credits are long and distinguished.  They range from hundreds of jingles and soundtracks (one of the most recent being for the movie, “The Quiet American”) through to national tours of international artists and stage shows as well as brass quintets and performances in the pit with Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet.

On visiting Dick, in November, this author could only be uplifted by Dick’s attitude to life and his situation.  His spirits were high, he was still buying classical CDs to listen to and his sense of humor was sharp.  It was an experience that will remain with me and inspire me always.

Dick was also a valued member of the International trumpet Guild’s Editorial Committee and continued in that role until late in 2005.  ITG editor, Gary Mortenson had this to say about Dick, in October - “Richard did exemplary work on the committee. His presence will be missed in the world of trumpet and jazz.” 

Dick’s music and passion for education touched lives and left a lasting impression on all with whom he came into contact.   As Australian Trumpet Guild member, Ian Brown, said recently on hearing of Dick’s death, “That is very sad news. I only had the pleasure of working with Dick once, in Newcastle with the ABC Sinfonia.  I remember him as a very generous person who freely gave advice and assistance to others around him. He will be missed.”

(Submitted by Brian Evans.  Director ITG – President ATG)