St. Mark’s Mourns Longtime Band Director

St. Mark’s School of Texas mourns the loss of longtime teacher, mentor, friend, and Band Director, Tim Hicks, who passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 4, 2022. Having originally joined the St. Mark’s faculty in the fall of 2002, Mr. Hicks served the School and all the boys in his care with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for two decades.

"An inspiring teacher, gifted musician, and generous friend, Mr. Hicks shared his passion for music with the boys while striving to instill excellence, creativity, and a love of learning in every Marksman," said David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster, in a note to the community. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tim’s wife, Donna, and their son Chris, Class of 2013, and their daughter Elizabeth." He went on to say, “I know this is very difficult and painful news. In times like this, the strength of community we share is an important source of both comfort and solace.”  

Over the past two decades, St. Mark's band and jazz programs have flourished under Mr. Hicks’ direction. Many of his students have gone to represent St. Mark’s as part of the Texas Private Music School Educators Association All-State Band and Jazz Band. Mr. Hicks served as Vice President of Jazz and Contemporary Ensemble for TPSMEA, Jazz at Lincoln Center Band Director’s Academy, and the Wisconsin World Drumming Workshop.

In addition to teaching music in both the Middle and Upper Schools, Mr. Hicks also served as a sixth-grade advisor and sponsored the Jazz Club. An avid musician and performer, he played a variety of brass instruments and could often be found sitting in with different ensembles, groups, and bands of all kinds, including playing the tuba in the Richardson Community Band. In his two decades at St. Mark's, Mr. Hicks oversaw the music performed at some of the School's most beloved traditions. He enthusiastically led the Marksmen Pep Band on Friday nights in the Hunt Stadium grandstand with wonderful renditions of the alma mater and so much more. In the spring, he beautifully guided the band at Commencement. And, each December, Mr. Hicks led students and colleagues in joyous holiday music at the annual All-School Christmas Party as seniors carried their little buddies into the Great Hall. In these and so many other settings, he brought not only a great love for music, creativity, and performing, but also a readily apparent devotion and commitment to the boys and his colleagues.   

“Tim’s greatest passion was teaching Band and inspiring students to find the magic moments in a song, to listen to each other, and to play with joy," said Marion Glorioso-Kirby, Anthony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair, who worked closely alongside Mr. Hicks for many years. "Note by note, line by line, Tim taught students to enjoy the gift of making music together.”

Tim Hicks made many important and meaningful contributions across the St. Mark’s community and he will be dearly missed. Expressions of both sadness and gratitude continue to be shared by current and former Marksmen, members of the faculty and staff, and other friends across the St. Mark’s family as we mourn the loss of our dear colleague and friend.

The St. Mark's community will celebrate the life of Tim Hicks with a Memorial Service from 2:00-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 27. There will also be a musical jam session in honor of Mr. Hicks immediately following the Memorial Service in Decherd Performance Hall.