Erdman West III

Posted on December 8, 2021

Erdman West III, better known as Skip, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Nov. 12, 2021.

Skip had courageously fought a myriad of health conditions for many years. 

His son, Scott West, daughter, Tori West, and wife of 52 years, Diane West, surrounded him with love and comfort before his passing at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Skip was born in Lawton, Okla., but grew up in Taylor County.

An inquisitive and creative child, he loved exploring his surroundings and expressing himself through music. His earliest memories were of his mother singing in the kitchen.

Skip graduated from Taylor County High School in 1960 where he was drum major of Taylor County High School band and started a dance band called The Rhythmaires.

He came of age betwixt and between the Big Band Era, Be Bop and Jazz. His first instrument was the trombone, but he quickly picked up and played many other instruments.

He played string bass, his Grandpa’s mandolin, piano, banjo and many others.

From the age of 14 on he would perform in any way that presented itself, in large bands or small combos or as a soloist. He attended Florida State University where he majored in music education and joined Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Skip taught music and band in several Florida schools, but ultimately was drawn north.

He settled in New York state where he thoroughly enjoyed all the jazz clubs and emerging folk music ccene in New York City.

It was on Long Island, N.Y., where he met his adoring wife and greatest supporter, Diane R. Miller.  They were married and bore their son and daughter before moving to upstate New York.

Skip made a choice early on to become a “Jack of All Trades” musically. He taught himself piano, acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, electric bass, folk banjo, dulcimer, blues harp, synthesizers and more. He performed in wide-ranging, eclectic groups from jazz trios and little big bands, Dixieland band, to folk and rock bands, forming many of them himself.

He brought his love of music into the classroom, whether he was teaching band, chorus or K-12 classroom music. He loved introducing the students to a variety of musical styles, their origins and significance in our American musical history.

He had jug bands, jazz bands and pop/rock and swing bands for the students. He took his students out to play and/or sing whenever possible, allowing them the joy that sharing music with others could bring.

Skip spent the largest part of his teaching career at Schenevus Central School in upstate New York where he settled with his family in 1973, moving to Worcester in 1975. 

New to teaching music to young children, he was always looking for ways to engage them in the music-making process. He started writing songs for children that were fun, meaningful and interactive.   He then compiled those songs and produced four albums, the first of which, “Blue Sky City,” won the Parents Choice Gold Award.

His brother, Richard, and sister-in-law, Ellen, were the driving force behind the creation of a video of three of his songs, which then appeared repeatedly on The Learning Channel. 

Skip also wrote songs for mostly self-produced folk albums. He created music for award-winning documentaries through his brother’s video and film work.

One memorable one being the first nationally released film on “AIDS: Beyond Fear.” Skip and his brother, Rich, were recognized for that seminal work at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Skip’s accomplishments over his 65-year music and educational career are literally too numerous to list. However, for him his final crowning glory was to get a grant to write, score and produce, and music direct, a noir musical “Danger in the Dark” with his talented son, Scott, singing and playing the lead.

He had the support and involvement of local actors, friends, teachers and students in all aspects of the productions, including having a live jazz band of incredibly talented professional musicians playing the score.

Throughout his long career, severe health issues plagued him but he never let that get him down. He always somehow managed with the help of amazing medical care, and strong will and determination, to live his life fully, to pull himself back up enough to continue creating and sharing his music.

His life in music did not bring him riches or worldly fame, but he reached the heights of musical expression, bringing great satisfaction and joy to himself and to many others around him. This was his legacy.

Skip was an extremely loving husband, father and brother.

He is survived by: his son, Scott West of Worcester, N.Y.; daughter, Tori West of Meriden, Conn., and wife of 52 years, Diane R. West; as well as his brother, Richard West (Ellen) of Springfield, Va., and sister, Peggy West of Tallahassee.

He was predeceased by his parents, Erdman and Margaret West.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Skip’s name may be made to the Worcester Central School or Schenevus Central School music programs. 

Online condolences and personal memories are welcome at www.hellerskinnerfh.com.