Dr. Dale Lonis
To our friend Dr. Dale Lonis
Dr. Dale J. Lonis (October 4, 1954 - March 20, 2022)
Dale Lonis was born in Aurora, Illinois. As a student, he was active in music and theater. He worked hard, helping support his family with several jobs (bartending, construction, and coaching, to name a few!). He graduated from the University of Illinois and the prestigious Northwestern University. He earned a Doctoral Degree in Education, with a focus on the Psychology of Learning and Musical Practice. He became a highly successful and inspirational teacher, coach, university professor, dean, CEO and international conductor. His work took him to almost every continent around the world. When he wasn't teaching, Dale loved watching and playing sports. He especially enjoyed rugby, as both a national-level player and a coach.
Dale spent a lifetime leading others by conducting, coaching, and teaching. He used humor, high energy, kindness and passion to share his values and knowledge in the pursuit of beauty and excellence. He had a profound and lasting impact on the field of music education and his thousands of students and colleagues will be forever grateful for his mentoring and leadership.
When Dale was a teenager, his beloved father became terminally ill with cancer. Dale spent many hours helping to care for him. He lived every day guided by his father's words: Just when you think you can't…is often exactly when you must. Dale always said everything he did was to honour his father, and Dale was unfailingly gracious, polite, kind, loyal, generous and respectful. He was a true gentleman. He rose from his seat in the presence of a woman, he never finished his meal first, and he always carried two handkerchiefs: One to use and one to give. He used to say There are two types of people: those who run away from the fire, and those who run into the fire. Dale was the type to run into the fire – he was always available to help, mentor, counsel and take care of those around him. He was a true guiding spirit and never let anyone down.
Dale's relationship with Equilibrium started at the beginning of the pandemic, March 2020. He was the long-time best friend of one Equilibrium's teachers, Tina Jensen. When the world shut down, Tina voluntold Dale to guide Equilibrium's teachers through the process of using Zoom to teach online classes. Dale had been teaching online for many years, so Tina knew he would be a great resource. Dale logged in from his home in upstate New York and spent many hours teaching the staff how to use this new technology to keep classes going. He became close friends with Anna Jankowska and Kasia Bluhm, chatting with them regularly. Dale believed in the philosophy and goals of Equilibrium; in the spirit of Paying it Forward like Dina Would, he volunteered his time meeting with every teacher, observing their classes and helping them be the best teachers they could be. He provided several Professional Development sessions and dropped in on Tina's class sometimes as a guest speaker. The last time was January 2022, when he spoke to her students about The Best Day of My Life. As he was fighting a difficult battle with cancer, Dale said every day was the best day of his life. The students were greatly impacted by his strength and his positive attitude.
Sadly, Dr. Dale Lonis passed away on March 20, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his struggle, he was brave, strong and positive. It was very important to him that people not treat him as if he were sick, and only those close to him knew how ill he was.
Dale will be remembered for his warmth, charisma, passion, kindness, and generous spirit. He loved with his whole heart, and those close to him felt that love each day. He lived every day by these words: Every day is a good day. Those he inspired continue to use these words as strength for the future. We love you Dale, and are grateful for your support and friendship!