Dennis Robert Mosser

Dennis Robert Mosser passed away in his home in Norman, OK on November 27, 2013 at the age of 77. He was born in Crosby, ND, to Frank and Margaret Mosser on November 7, 1936, the youngest of three boys. He received a BS in Music Education/Voice/Math from Minot State College in 1959. In addition he was an accomplished organ, piano and trombone player. Dennis was the Director of Music for Lakota Public Schools from 1959-1962. He earned an MM in Choral Conducting/Voice from Indiana University in May 1963. He then began his very memorable 13 years at Harvey, ND, where he was Director of Music from 1963-1976. The Harvey High School Choir was named The Official Governor's Chorus in 1974. He directed several musicals during his tenure at Harvey, amongst them "The Sound of Music", "1776", and "Oklahoma". In 1973, the Harvey High School choir was invited to perform at the Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Budapest and Prague. They received outstanding reviews, and distinguished director Weston H. Noble remarked that "their flexibility and unity were amazing, and this splendid performance became a goal and inspiration for many directors in attendance". A highlight in Dennis' life was a 1999 reunion of this choir. Dennis marveled at how they sang with no practice and how they responded exactly how they had when they were in school. They watched his hands as they always had, responding with the same discipline, and sang with all their hearts. One member remarked "this was more than a group of friends working toward a common goal, they had become family". This was a hallmark of Dennis' work; he did not just assemble a great choir, he built a loving family. His gifts went far beyond fine choirs. His marching bands and orchestras were also known for their outstanding quality. In 1978 Dennis became a teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma, teaching private voice, class voice and choral arranging as he began to study for his doctorate. He completed his DMA in Choral Conducting/Voice from the University of Oklahoma in 1984. During that time Dennis began his 31-year tenure working in the music library at Oklahoma University. Over the last 25 years, Dennis spent much of his time as music director for various churches in the Oklahoma City area. His passion and love were bringing choirs together as one voice to glorify God. Dennis had a special devotion to Mary and to the Divine Mercy. He lived a God-centered life of service to others especially through his gift of music. Dennis is survived by his brother Frank, 16 nieces and nephews and their families, and lifelong friend Kris Koller. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret, and brother, James. Evening prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 2 at Smith and Kernke Chapel on North May Ave, in Oklahoma City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, at St. Damien's of Molokai Catholic Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. Burial will take place in Crosby, ND.