The Aquilian 6 In the “old days” Chris Flannery and his band would play at some of our Faculty Christmas parties. That was when I first realized what a talented drummer Chris was. Chris and I both are from New Jersey, both graduated from Catholic University, and both lived in Laurel, Md. and both of us loved working at Gonzaga. I loved Chris’ offbeat, crazy, irreverent sense of humor. He didn’t seem to have much ego even though through his vision, talent, and incredible hard work he took a band that needed a lot of work and transformed it with the help of some talented, dedicated musicians into a first class organization. He had a gift of working with his students at the level of their musical skills and helping them get better. He could work with young men of different personalities and temperaments. I loved the Gonzaga band’s Jazz in the Park concert on International food day. Chris even allowed the mercurial Mr. Scott Blair to tell “jokes” with a bag over his head as the “Unknown Comic” during one of the Jazz in the Park’s performances. Chris Flannery lived one exit north off the BW Parkway from where I live. Sometimes, I would see him as we both drove south to Gonzaga. If I passed him and he saw me, he would always give me a big smile and give me a salute. He truly was a unique individual and while I am going to miss him terribly, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him and to work with him over the last thirty two years. Bill Wilson Counseling Department
RIP Mr. Christopher Flannery, Gonzaga’s band teacher for over 30 years. He was a great teacher and a great man. It’s a shame that he died three days before his favorite day of the year, Halloween, where he would always say “as someone who is so very blessed to teach at an all-male school, it is only on this day on which I get to say... How’s it going guys and GHOULS?!?” God speed, old friend. Matt Long Class of 2008
Mr. Flannery was a constant source of positive energy. I always enjoyed bumping into him in the hallway or spending time with him in the JDR. He is a special person that will be dearly missed. I will never forget his tall tales/ stories about being a professional musician. Aaron Brady Athletic Department
Angela McGowan Band Co-Coordinator 2013
As Band Leadership Council president last year, I got to work closely with Mr. Flannery, or Flan as we called him. Here are a few memories and excerpts from my speech at Band Awards Night last year. It’s just like Flan said, “exitus acta probat.” For those of you who don’t know Latin, including me, this phrase means “the outcome justifies the deed.” Leading up to our spring concert, Flan used this phrase to remind us that the work you put into something will be the result you get out. This phrase not only applies to becoming a better musician but to every aspect of life that you are trying to improve. Flan taught us that to achieve something you want, you have to work for it. My favorite part of being in band was working with Flan. He was serious when it came to business, but he had a wacky sense of humor. At Jazz at Gonzaga Park, Flan had a few joke segments in between our rockin’ jazz band sets. If you never got to see our conductor-turned-comedian in action, let me let you in on some of his material. How are a plum and a rabbit alike? They’re both purple, except for the rabbit of course. What do you call an herb that sings? Elvis Parsley And my personal favorite, How many surrealists does it take to change a lightbulb? A fish Yeah, I don’t get the last one either. But you get the idea. Flan was more than our band director. He was, in his words, DA MAN. I was privileged to spend four years under Flan’s musical direction and his personal guidance. Flan encouraged me to hone my trombone skills and perfect my jazz solos. He also taught me how to be a leader both as president and by example. I will cherish the memories I have of Flan for the rest of my life. Erik Dekelbaum Class of 2013
Mr. Flannery was not only a teacher and mentor, but also a great friend. He was the one teacher I could talk to about anything, school related or not. I could trust him to be honest and always open with me, never judging, always guiding. When I first came to Gonzaga, I admit I was afraid and nervous. I had wanted to attend Gonzaga since I was young, but once I was accepted, I became nervous to become the minority once again. But all that went away after my first day as a freshman when I met Mr. Flannery. He immediately nicknamed me “Admiral” because I had been so formal with him, calling him “sir” numerous times. Whenever I felt down, I always knew that Flan-the-man was there to pick me up with a simple gesture, sound, or phrase, both in band and out. Flannery was an extraordinary teacher, friend, and musician. It’s left a hole in my heart that he had left us so soon. Flan may have gone to heaven, but God just got one hell of an angel. I only hope and pray that Flannery’s family will accept the band as their extended family, because after all, we are all Flan’s sons. To Mr. Flannery, have a swangin’ time conducting God’s band. We are sure going to miss you, but will give it our all this year in your honor. Oh and tell every angel you see your endless stream of jokes. Peace out Flannery, we’ll miss you. “Admiral” Nelson Davies Class of 2016
I spoke with Mr. Flannery in fall 2004 when my son, Bobby (’08) was in band, and we realized we both graduated from The Catholic University of America (CUA). From that point on when he saw me, he would give me a wave and say “Go Cardinals!” Back in time when Mr. Flannery and I attended CUA our football team had a rivalry with that other Catholic Jesuit University on the Potomac. When my youngest son Kevin (’13) was applying to college, Mr. Flannery said he was our last hope to become a Cardinal. Well, not only did Kevin not apply, but he decided to attend CUA’s cross-town rival, Georgetown University! At a band event right before graduation, Mr. Flannery and I talked about Kevin’s choice, and I’ll never forget the moment as we both jokingly exclaimed “What the Hell’s a Hoya!” in true CUA style. Mr. Flannery was one of our greatest CUA Cardinals! He will live forever in our hearts.
RIP to Mr. Chris Flannery. Band at Gonzaga was one of my favorite experiences over those four years, and that was all due to the Flan Man. He has changed my life and the lives of countless others. Love you dude. Ryan Belcher Class of 2011 I think this song (Fantasia on an Irish Hymn) symbolized my time with Gonzaga band. I always joked around a little too much, but I can still clearly remember almost every percussion part to this song. While it seemed like we were mortal enemies at times, we had our own special dance that we did. Mr. Flannery thank you for challenging me to be a better musician and person. With Halloween coming up, what I wouldn’t give to hear “good evening guys and ghouls” one more time. You will be missed. RIP Julian Sanders Class of 2009
Working on the ground floor of Ruesch/Cantwell Hall, you often run into the same people in the hallways. So it was with Chris. Early on I learned of his love of bad jokes so when he tried one on me I told him, “Flannery will get you nowhere”. After that he knew we were on the same page. On one occasion we were talking about a Godfather movie marathon on the A & E network. Our conversation steered towards which one of the trilogy was the best when Chris started humming the Main Title “Godfather Waltz” from the first Godfather movie. So I joined in. From that moment on he called me Godfather whenever he saw me and would sing the tune as we passed in the hallways. I would give him my best Marlon Brando wave and bless him. Grazie, Maestro. Peter Buckley Network Administrator