CINCINNATI—Alan Spencer Coleman, a retired Cincinnati Public School music educator and choir director, a well-known area church musician, and the consummate music man in this river city, died on June 17 at Shawneespring rehabilitation facility in Harrison, Ohio, after a long illness. He was 72. 

His sister Vicky Coleman said that he suffered from renal failure, Parkinson’s Disease, and several other ailments but the exact cause of death was unknown.  

Mr. Coleman taught vocal music for nearly three decades, first at Dater Junior High and then at Western Hills. His choir received high marks at the Ohio Music Education Association competition in 1997 and other events around the state. He obtained training and a license to drive a bus so that he could transport his choir to perform around Ohio. He was the winner of Cincinnati Public School’s Teacher of the Year Award in 1984 and was nominated by the school system for the Ohio Teacher of the Year award that same year.

A 1972 graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Mr. Coleman did his student teaching at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He also played and taught several instruments, including piano and guitar. In fact, he started the school district’s first guitar program. His love for education did not stop there. In 2003, he ran for the board of the Cincinnati City School District. One cornerstone of his platform was that participatory fine arts activities be available to all students. He also advocated for equity in funding magnet and neighborhood programs. Although he was endorsed by the Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, his bid for a board seat ultimately failed. That did not lessen Mr. Coleman’s activism. He remained a frequent writer of letters to the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer and stayed engaged in the educational life of the community. He also served many years as an election officer in his home precinct.

Born in Cincinnati, he spent his early years in Covington, Kentucky, and attended then-segregated Lincoln & William Grant schools there and eventually transferred to integrated Holmes High School. In 1964, Mr. Coleman moved with his family to the Winton Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati and attended Aiken High School, where he excelled in vocal and instrumental music and performed in several high school musicals until his graduation. 

His greatest gift, perhaps, was his ability to bring the best out of his students and his choirs based on the outpouring of affection for him on Facebook. 

“He’s the only reason I ever sang in high school. He had a natural knack for making you feel comfy singing in front of him and strangers! I’ll forever be grateful for that experience,” wrote Tanisha Bennett. 

“Mr. C is what most of us called him. He was my choir teacher and definitely left a lasting impression on my life. I just can’t stop crying. Thank you, Mr. C, for always encouraging me to be my very best,” wrote Shaunda Dawson.

Susan Jansen added, “My heart is so heavy right now. You made Western Hills High School better with the choir department. Senior Choir was the best part of my high school experience! Your love for everyone and for music will definitely live on. You were and always will be my favorite teacher.”

Mr. Coleman stayed engaged with music education — mentoring other teachers and judging vocal competitions — even after he retired on disability after he was attacked in the hallways of Western Hills by a student.

The eldest child of the late Robert and Marian Coleman, Alan Coleman was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Coleman. He is survived by his sisters, Vicky Coleman of Cincinnati and Geraldine Coleman Tucker of Alexandria, Virginia; brother, David Coleman of Cincinnati; nephews Christopher Coleman Tucker and Matthew Antoine; brother-in-law, Michael Tucker; and many friends and former students.

Visitation is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022, followed by the funeral at noon at Clifton Avenue SDA Church, 3800 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati. Interment will be at Vine Street Hill Cemetery.