Allan E. Jones

A beloved teacher, Jones took over the Liberty band program in 1957 and soon transformed the players into a top-notch ensemble that collected “excellent” and “superior” ratings at state high school music festivals.

The Liberty yearbook staff dedicated the 1963 yearbook to Jones for his “untiring efforts” to grow the band: “We realize that this is a very small token in comparison to Mr. Jones’ outstanding work, but it is with pride and gratitude that we dedicate this book to an individual who has contributed so much to the progress of Liberty.”

Brentwood Union School District Board member Emil Geddes, a former student, was inspired to pursue a career in music after working with Jones in high school.

“I believe there are three kinds of teachers,” Geddes said. “There are those who see it as a job, those who see it as a career, and those who believe it is a calling. Allan was an incredibly gifted musician. He had many opportunities to pursue music on a professional level, but he chose teaching.”

Geddes describes Jones as a dedicated educator fully committed to his students. While he was a strict bandleader, students and faculty admired and respected him for his devotion to bringing out the best in his students.

During his tenure, Jones helped raise $25,000 to buy new uniforms for the band, which hadn’t been updated in 20 years. He also worked with the drama and choral departments to create Liberty’s musical production program. Liberty presented its first musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in 1974.

Jones hired Sue Stuart as Liberty’s choir director in 1976, and she credits Jones for teaching her how to be a good teacher. “He was the best. He showed me the ropes of teaching. He loved music, and he shared that love with his students. He even taught me how to appreciate music in a new way. He was one of a kind, and he’ll be greatly missed.”

Jones graduated from Stockton High School and received a degree in music from the University of the Pacific. While teaching at Liberty, he also played trombone for the Stockton Symphony Orchestra. Jones retired from teaching in 1984.

Jones and Stuart served as consultants during the designing of Liberty’s new performing arts building in the early ’90s. Geddes and former students campaigned for the building to be dedicated in Jones’ honor, a designation he was hesitant to accept, according to Stuart.

“Allan didn’t want the building named after him,” she said. “He’d say, ‘I don’t want my name on a building. I’m not dead yet.’ But he graciously accepted the honor. The opening gala was quite the affair. He was really proud.” The Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Center was dedicated in April of 1992.

Jones was named Liberty teacher of the year in 1983 and went on to be named Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year.

Friends and family are invited to atttend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at two o'clock p.m. at the Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Center at Liberty High School in Brentwood.