JAMES GALLEN, MUSIC TEACHER

James T. Gallen, 45, of Glenmoore, a music teacher, died of leukemia Saturday at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

A band and instrument teacher for more than 20 years, Mr. Gallen taught fourth and fifth graders for the last nine years at the Markley, Sugartown and Charlestown Elementary Schools in the Great Valley School District.

He previously taught for more than 10 years and was band director at Bensalem High School in Bucks County. He also taught for a year at a public school in upstate New York.

"He was an absolutely wonderful musician, and more special because of his rapport with the children," said Susan Messner, a classroom music instructor at Charlestown Elementary.

"They loved to play in his band because he brought humor into teaching, and he made them feel great about their playing and their ability to accomplish instruments," she said.

Mr. Gallen played most instruments, but he was an especially talented flutist and volunteered every year to play in the orchestra pit at the General Wayne Middle School during its annual music program, Messner said.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Gallen was raised in Feasterville, Bucks County. He lived there until moving to Glenmoore 3 1/2 years ago.

Mr. Gallen graduated from Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, and earned a bachelor's degree in music education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and a master's degree in music conducting at Trenton State University.

He was a member of the Covenant United Presbyterian Church in Malvern and several professional groups, including the Great Valley Education Association, Music Educators National Conference and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

He is survived by his wife, Sharonlee Samson Gallen; eight children, Melissa, Becky, Christi, Laurie, Elizabeth, Jim, Christina and John; three brothers and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. today at Covenant United Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Lancaster Ave., Malvern. After the service, the family will receive friends at the church until 8 p.m. Burial is private.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Jim Gallen Memorial Fund, Great Valley School District Administration Office, Box 617, Devault, Pa. 19432.