Michael J. King

Michael J. King was a musician from the age of eight when he was in third grade, interested in “The Youth Symphony” TV programs. He started with piano lessons, then was advised to study drums and became a percussionist; enlisted in the Navy as such for 16 years.

Therefore the musical notes=to denote “musician”, and the Navy patch to represent his years in the Navy=sailor. In the lower left side of the quilt block, the “brick” is to represent his membership in the Music Educators National Conference. It is a memorial brick in their “Walk of Fame” at their building in Reston, Virginia. He became a high school music “teacher” and band director after his service in the Navy.

The “eye” in the lower right side of the quilt block represents the tissue (his corneas) which were used to restore sight in two people, which is what we were told were done=”donor”. The other words represent what he was to those who loved him: his family and friends, and the many students who were encouraged by Michael to continue in music, one of whom told me “If it wasn’t for Mr. King I would be in jail today, but he encouraged me and I am continuing my studies in music=”mentor”. I am happy I could do a block in memory of Michael.