Jack Story The Music Man by Chuck Tillotson
Jack Story was born in 1934 in Fallbrook and has lived his entire life in this charming village community except for a two-year stint in the Army. In the early days of his life, Fallbrook was a farming community, so Story had to combine the chores of farm work with education. While he performed farm chores very well, he was quite self-conscious in school and found achievement in scholastics very challenging. School was quite competitive for Story; his peers could spell better, learn arithmetic faster and even excel in sports more than he could. So, it was a music teacher that began Story’s lifelong adventure with music. His school music teacher told his parents that Story seemed to have an aptitude for music. His father asked him if he wanted to play an instrument and after saying yes, Story was presented with an alto saxophone that had been in the family. Story learned how to play the sax very quickly and it helped him gain confidence in himself. His music teacher was impressed with his ability and began scheduling special performances for Story all over town, some out of town and even at music festivals where he always achieved a superior rating. And, with a last name like Story, it wasn’t hard for people to remember him. As time went on, Story also developed an interest in singing and in 1952 he joined a local group that sang barbershop harmony. In 1954, the Barbershop Singers called themselves the Avocado Empire Chapter of Barbershoppers and became affiliated with the International Society now located in Nashville, Tenn. After a few years the Avocado Empire group changed its name to the Palomar Pacific Chapter of Barbershop Singers as it remains today. In 1955 Story was drafted into the Army and his music background and ability placed him with the 282nd Army Band stationed in Fort Jackson near Columbia, S.C. where he served out his two
The 4CITY4 Barbershop Quartet pose for a publicity photo in 1990. From l to r, Dick Stern (lying down), Lloyd Davis, Charlie Brown and Jack Story. Courtesy photos
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Jack and his wife Shirley at the January 2016 Installation Banquet for the Pal Pac Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
years of duty. While there, he met his wife Shirley and after he was discharged, they returned to Fallbrook where Story began a career in agriculture by managing a 55-acre avocado grove for 15 years. Eventually, Story became recognized for his grove management skills and that led to managing avocado groves for other people as a business, which he did for the remainder of his active career. However, managing the business of farming and the groves didn’t prevent Story from continuing his association with the Music Men Chorus of the Palomar Pacific Chapter of Barbershop Singers. He became very active in this association and throughout the years in addition to harmony singing he has served as Music Director and held most of the Board positions including President of the group. For over 20 years he also sang in a quartet called the “4 FOR 4.” In the world of Barbershopping, they were well known throughout the western states. Over the last 62 years, Barbershop singing and playing the sax was his avocation, and he is still actively involved with both forms of music. Upon request, Story plays his sax at various events as well as continuing to sing barbershop regularly with the Music Men Chorus. Another avid interest in Story’s life has been the participation and involvement in the Fallbrook Historical Society. Since joining the Society in the early 70s, Story has served this organization in many ways including tenure on its Board as a Member at Large, Vice President, President and Landscape Manager as well as a docent. He has written many articles about the rich history of Fallbrook including a booklet of his own memories of his life in this town. Story is also a treasured resource for anyone needing historical information about Fallbrook in the days gone by. After all these years, Jack Story is still full of enthusiasm for life, has a strong Christian faith and is looking forward to the future for many more years of music and fun.
Jack with his favorite tenor sax (circa 1981), which he still plays today at various events throughout the local area.
Pictured at the Jan. 2016 installation ceremony are members of the Music Men Chorus, from left, Kerry Witkin, installing officer; Al Leuthe, president; Jack Story, past president and founding member; Charlie Wendt, music/performance; Tom Redler, marketing/PR; Bill Olszanicky, chapter dev.; Roger Hufferd, programs; and Alex Turmulo, sec./treasurer.
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