RALPH A. BREDENBERG ''MR. B.'' OCT 1918 - OCT 2009

Ralph was born in Turlock, and graduated from Turlock High School. During his college years he attended Modesto Junior College where he studied under Frank Mancini and later completed his formal education at San Jose State University studying under Thomas Eagon. After completing college, he began his teaching career which spanned a period of fifty years of service to students. His first teaching position was at Corning High School in Corning, CA in 1941. His teaching career was interrupted by a four year stint with the U.S. Air Corp where he served as both a band musician and director. He returned to California and took the job of Director of Bands at Chowchilla High School from 1945-1953. In 1953, he began the first of twenty-three years at Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California. He then served as a consultant for the San Mateo Schools. Upon his retirement, he moved back to Turlock where he spent another thirteen years as band director at Turlock Christian Elementary, Junior High and High Schools. He retired from a long time music career in 1991. In addition to his work at various schools he was also involved in church music as a choir director for over thirty years and was the orchestra director at the Turlock Evangelical Free Church. Mr. Bredenberg's bands have accomplished the following: President Kennedy's inauguration, Pasadena and Portland Rose Parades, All-Western Band Review, Hollywood Christmas Parade, many pro and college football halftimes, many sweepstakes at band reviews and command performance ratings at festivals. He was a guest director at All State Boys' Band and ACSI Junior High Honor Band at Biola University and has adjudicated at marching band and concert band competitions. He is survived by his son Ralph (Catherine) A. Bredenberg of Palo Alto, CA and grandchildren Megan and Kate Bredenberg also of Palo Alto. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret and siblings George Bredenberg and Margaret Nordell. Viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Crossroads Church on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.ALLEN MORTUARY Please share your memories atwww.allenmortuary.com www.modbee.com/obituaries Published in Modesto Bee on October 4, 2009