Music Teacher Matthew Price Dies Unexpectedly In Maryland
Mathew Passarelli Price was more than just a music educator.
Price of Mathew Passarelli
Price of Mathew Passarelli
The 25-year-old Maryland native was a talented baritone, an enthusiastic teacher, and a happy person who brought harmony, heart, and optimism to music halls, churches, and classrooms.
On July 1, Price, a beloved choir director at Anne Arundel County’s North County High School, passed away suddenly, leaving a bereaved community of friends, family, coworkers, and students.
His sister started the AGoFundMe effort to help bury him after the family experienced unfathomable tragedy in recent years.
As the campaign’s organizer, Katie Price stated, “Mathew was a talented and enthusiastic music teacher, a kind soul who poured his heart into helping others whether in the classroom, through private lessons, or in his community.” In addition, he was an active member of his church, where he served others by volunteering his time and skills.
Price’s passing occurs only a few years after his parents, Christian David Price and Colleen Anne Price, passed away.
Since both of our parents passed away recently, we are now solely responsible for paying for Mathew’s funeral, Katie Price wrote. We wish to treat him with the respect and consideration he merits.
According to his obituary, Mathew was a cherished son, brother, uncle, teacher, and musician who was raised in St. Mary’s County and was well-known for his kindness, sense of humor, and extraordinary musical ability.
At the time of his death, he was working for a Master of Science in Music Education. He graduated from Towson University with dual degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, minoring in Music Industry and Theatre Arts.
He established the professional ensemble Inside Voices and the competitive a cappella group UNTITLED while attending Towson University.
Additionally, he participated in a number of choral and music education groups, such as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and the A Cappella Council.
Price’s commitment went beyond his work.
He taught voice and piano at Music & Arts, led the choir section at Baltimore’s Grace United Methodist Church, worked as a student intern and music tutor for Baltimore County Public Schools, and was a cantor at Sacred Heart Glyndon.
Price most recently served as the choir director at Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ North County High School, “where he built a vibrant and inclusive choral community,” according to his family.
According to the hisobituary, Pri’s work in music ministry encompassed almost ten years of service at churches such as Timonium United Methodist Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, and Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.
From all around the state and beyond, condolences flooded in.
Bobbi Browne wrote, “Please help lay this young man to rest.” What a kind, sweet young man he was. He has a lovely voice and a kind soul. We shall miss him.
Bradley Oosterink recalled working on community theater shows with Mathew.
He claimed that Mathew was a genuinely talented and gifted individual. His ability and brilliance will undoubtedly be missed.
Marianne Thayer, another acquaintance, recalled how she and Price had performed together while in college.
She wrote, “Today, the world lost an amazing musician, friend, and teacher.” I remember with fondness how committed you were to your work and clubs, and how you always had an unmatched sense of humor.
Please remember Price’s family in your prayers, wrote Mo Na, who recognized Price as a member of the AACPS family. His parents passed away recently, therefore they need assistance paying for the funeral.
On Sunday, July 13, Evans Life Celebration Home in Parkville will host a celebration of life.
You can find the Price family’s GoFundMe page here.
We would want to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed, shared, and given heartfelt words during this really trying time,” Katie Price continued. “Our family has been so grateful for your help.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
