What a wonderful band director! I loved playing in the band and orchestra with Mr. Tesar. He was so encouraging and believed in us. He made us feel that we were so cool playing the theme to Hawaii 5-0! I also recall he allowed us to come in on a lunch hour to try new instruments. I'm sure that was his lunchtime too, and he didn't seem to mind sharing it with us if we could create some music. We were very lucky to know him.
Jean (Leach) Lohmann
Ben Franklin Jr. High ~ Class of 1972
Unlike Reg, Charlie never called me "Tiger Brains" as far as I can remember, but he was funny, irascible and a fine musician.
Love that picture - "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"!
I was very fond of him and wish I had seen him more recently.
All you fine Tesars are a testament to him.
RIP
Charlie Tesar believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves. He took us places we never imagined going on our own. He instilled in us a dedication to hard work and determination that have lasted a lifetime. Thank you for making us into the Fair Lawn High School Marching Band, Mr. Tesar.
Alan Levey
Class of 1966
Fair Lawn High School
He often called me "Tiger Brains". I'm sure I was not unique in that regard. I'm sure there were dozens of "Tiger Brains" out there. However, Mr. T was unique in the way that he influenced so many aspiring musicians. I was never a formal student of his but learned a lot by osmosis, spending much time at the Tesar house when Bill & I played in several high school era bands together.
We would sometimes listen to some of his dad's record collection which was loaded with good stuff. I feeI that I'll always carry some of his spirit with me.
What’s to say? He was Charlie! My father in law and a hipster, too! He lived life on his own terms and he left the same way! Say hi to Louis and all your kindred spirits! Thank you for All you shared with us! You will live on in all of us!!
