The Hochstein School is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Helen Tuntland Jackson on October 22, 2021 in Cambridge, MA. She served as Executive Director of the School from 1971-1984, and as its Director of Development from 1984-1987.
Jackson led the School in a number of important accomplishments, including moving to its current home on N. Plymouth Avenue, the former Central Presbyterian Church, in 1975. In the same year, she started Hochstein’s music therapy program – the first such program in western NY.
The following year launched “Noontime at Hochstein” (now “Live from Hochstein”), with broadcasts by WXXI-FM beginning soon after. Also in 1976, Hochstein was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music – the first community school in the country to achieve this status. For the School’s 60th anniversary in 1980, she commissioned a biography of David Hochstein, “Unfinished Symphony” by Grace Kraut. Throughout her time as Executive Director, the School’s music and dance programs expanded significantly.
“Helen’s ardent belief in the importance of a high-quality arts education for everyone – regardless of their age, ability, or background – was clearly the foundation of all that she accomplished during her tenure. The School, and our community, is still benefitting from her dedicated work, and we will always be grateful!”, said Dr. Margaret Quackenbush, Hochstein’s current President & Executive Director.
Hochstein offers sincerest condolences to Mrs. Jackson’s husband, Isaiah Jackson – former associate conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (1973-87) – and their children, Benjamin, Katharine, and Caroline.
The family has invited gifts in her memory to The Hochstein School, the Jackson Family Fund at the Cambridge (MA) Community Foundation, or The Brandon (SD) Historical Society. They plan a private celebration of her life in spring 2022 in Cambridge.
To read the full obituary, visit http://rogersfuneralhome.net/1/obituaries/1574-mrs-helen-caroline-tuntland-jackson.
(Photo in front of Hochstein at 12 Hoeltzer Street circa 1971)