Richard D. Zana Bio

Richard D. Zana taught music in the Ambridge Area School District for 38 years at all levels - Elementary to High School -both as a choir and band director. He also directed of the Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum program, which continues to this day. It is estimated that he touched the lives of over 15,000 students in his tenure. Whatever level he was teaching, his ensembles were at the top of the region, state, and many times, the whole country. He was an exceptional educator. He instilled a deep love of music in his students and brought joy to all who knew him. Many past students recollect how much fun it was to be in his classes and ensembles. He truly had a unique and enjoyable way to bring out the best in his students.

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In addition to his teaching duties. he was a member of the Barbershop Chorus, King Beaver Barbershoppers, and he directed and coached the Sweet Adelines. He instilled a deep love of music in his students and brought joy to all who knew him. Sadly he passed away July 13, 2008 after a battle with cancer.

 

 

 

The Richard D. Zana Memorial fund was founded by a group of appreciative former students of Mr. Zana to honor his life and career by providing both music scholarships for talented area students and benefits for cancer research. The fund is supported by Zanafest, an annual music festival meant to preserve his enthusiam of music and celebrate the life of one of Beaver County’s most influential teachers. The Richard D. Zana Memorial Fund is held within The Beaver County Foundation, a community foundation and trust authorized to function as such by the Internal Revenue Service and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beaver County Foundation, PO Box 569, Beaver, PA 15009.

 

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