Larry and Jean Hall’s Legacy Honored at Concert

The "Celebration of Music in Canton" on Saturday, Dec. 1 was much more than a concert featuring the Paul Winter duo with Winter on saxophone and Jeff Holmes on piano. 

It also celebrated the restoration of the school's Knabe Grand Piano and honored the legacy of Larry Hall and the late Jean Hall. Prior to the concert, the refurbished piano was dedicated to the Halls.

The couple spent numerous years teaching music in Canton. 

"Throughout their time in Canton, they were responsible for creating a culture of excellence and making music an important component of a child's education," the evening's program stated. "That tradition continues today thanks to them. We dedicate this special evening to them." 

Larry Hall came to Canton in 1955 and served as band director at Canton Junior/Senior High School until 1976. School officials said under his direction the music department grew from one teacher to four and one half positions. After his retirement, he remained active in the program. 

Jean Hall spent 38 years teaching music, having come to town in 1957 to assume the role of band director and music teacher, after teaching in West Hartford for about 4 years.

Saturday night, school staff thanked Larry Hall for the couple's contributions and presented him with a special plaque.  

"The concert was a tremendous success and only reinforced the artistic
spirit in Canton," said Tom Scavone, music department chair for the entire district.

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