Audrey Avis Aasen-Hull
July 9, 1916-Oct. 31, 2012
Menlo Park, California

Audrey Avis Aasen-Hull died peacefully at her home on Oct. 31, 2012. She was born in Coquille, Oregon, on July 9, 1916. Audrey Avis was the beneficiary of scholarships at the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in music in 1939.

She felt most fortunate to have studied violin with Rex Underwood at the University and with Joseph Roisman of the Budapest String Quartet at Mills College during several summers in the 1930s. She received her Master?s Degree in Musicology from Stanford University in 1946.

Audrey Avis was a music teacher in the San Francisco school system before becoming a private music teacher in Menlo Park. She was a professional in both piano and violin and was very involved with the Music Teachers? Association of California. Her many students will remember her for her teaching excellence, not just her technical proficiency in both piano and violin but also her ability to teach music appreciation, theory, harmony, and history.

In addition to her professional status as a teacher she performed regularly during her entire life. Her devotion to music, music education and fellow music-lovers has benefited all those who knew her.

In 1962 she married James Byrne Hull. They loved to travel, especially to Paris and New York. She loved her gardens and for many years had a beautiful rose garden. Friends will remember her for her love, too, for her poodles and cats, French champagne, and trips to San Francisco for the musical events there.

Audrey Avis made very important contributions to the community not only personally, but also through her gift-giving. Some of the organizations that she loved and made contributions to include the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Performances, Music@Menlo, California Institute of Technology?s music program, California Summer Chamber Music, Lively Arts at Stanford, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Music Academy of the West.

Audrey Avis is survived by her husband Byrne, who took wonderful care of her in her last years. Special thanks go to those who helped her during her last years: Sally Young, Deon Hilger, Suzanne Koonce, Dr. Rebecca Leon, Hazelle Milaradovitch, Paul Eisenman, and John Wells, and special recognition and thanks go to Senior Helpers, Pathways Hospice, and Home Care Assistance for their help in caring for Audrey Avis in her last years.

A gathering of friends will take place at her home on Nov. 18 from 5:00 - 7:00. In lieu of flowers, please give in her memory to the musical organization of your choice.

Tags: teacher/educator