James Niblock died peacefully in his sleep in his East Lansing home on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helen Beall Niblock, in October of 2015. He is survived by his two children, Howard Niblock (67) of Appleton, WI and Cynthia Thoen (60) of Cedar, MN, and by his grandson Elliott James Niblock (31). James Niblock, an accomplished violinist and renowned composer, was born in Scappoose, OR on November 1, 1917. His early musical background includes violin study with Franck Eichenlaub, Jascha Brodsky, and Josef Gingold as well as music composition study with Roy Harris and Paul Hindemith. Niblock received a B.A. and B.Ed. from Washington State University, an M.A. from Colorado College, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. From 1948 until 1985 he was a Professor of Music at Michigan State University, where he served as Chairman of the College of Music for 15 years. During that time he was also concertmaster of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. More than 100 of Niblock’s music compositions have been published. After his retirement from MSU, he continued to compose and perform, appearing often as a conductor at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; there he conducted many performances of his own works, including the premiers of the operas Ruth and The Last Leaf. This past November, Niblock joined many friends and family members in a festive celebration of his 100th birthday.
“In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to: The MSU Music Library Archive (James Niblock collection) or Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp”
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
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