Fredericton teacher, musical director Jim Myles mourned
Former student Measha Brueggergosman dedicates performance for Queen to Myles's memory
Longtime teacher and music educator Jim Myles of Fredericton has died.
Myles, the father of well-known singer David Myles, has often been hailed as a mentor to generations of music students at Fredericton High School, many of have had professional careers in the arts.
He was the director of musical productions at the school, giving hundreds of students their first taste of the stage. He retired in 2002.
Juno-winning opera singer Measha Brueggergosman always credited Myles with starting her career, directing her first stage role. They had remained close.
When she learned of his death, Brueggergosman was in London and about to perform for Queen Elizabeth and members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey.
She was a guest at the Commonwealth Service, Britain's largest annual inter-faith gathering, and dedicated her performance to the memory of Myles.
Measha Brueggergosman - <a href="https://twitter.com/MeashaBG">@MeashaBG</a> - sings 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' & 'We Shall Overcome' from the Sacrarium Steps <a href="https://twitter.com/wabbey">@wabbey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthDay?src=hash">#CommonwealthDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/PD8q6qkLZm">pic.twitter.com/PD8q6qkLZm</a>
—@RoyalFamilySoprano Maureen Batt, another of Myles's students, posted her thoughts on Facebook.
Myles's family issued the following statement on the website of McAdam's Funeral Home:
"It is with great sadness that the family of James Harvey Myles announces his death. Jim passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. As per Jim's wishes, there will be no funeral. Further details will follow."