Music Benefits The Soul
Mrs. Sarah Pour and Ivan Mathias Pour, ’01
Mrs. Sarah Pour never forgot the impact Notre Dame had on her son, Ivan Mathias Pour, ’01. He excelled academically and demonstrated commitment and leadership throughout his four years at ND. In particular, Ivan was a leader in the Notre Dame Instrumental Music Program where his musical talent was recognized and nourished by Mr. David Roach (Assistant Band Director 1977 – 1987; Band Director from 1988 to 2014). David Roach recalled Ivan’s leadership, “He took his talent beyond Notre Dame to the Greater New Haven Youth Wind Ensemble and the Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra. As with many of our alumni, what began at Notre Dame turned into a career for Ivan.” And, what a career Ivan has had!
Upon graduating from ND, Ivan headed west to Arizona State University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States. He became a member of the University’s Sun Devil Marching Band (SDMB), also known as The Pride of the Southwest. In his senior year, Ivan was the band’s drum major. Ivan made Arizona his home. He teaches and directs the band at Maricopa High School.
Sarah Pour recently decided that she wanted to show her gratitude to Notre Dame, and, in particular, her son’s mentor and band director David Roach. Through her estate plan, Sarah has designated a gift for the benefit of the Notre Dame Band Program.
“My son benefitted by Notre Dame’s culture of excellence in character and academics. I remember only one set of courses that he loved: music and band. There he built friendships and learned the joy of ensemble music – making the SOUND. The Notre Dame Band truly played to his passion. Today, he takes pleasure in marching high school musicians around a desert practice field at 6 A.M. and taking his players to concert competitions. He has the greatest gift of all – knowing the kids are there because they want to be, to make the SOUND. Thank you, Notre Dame, for believing in music. It brings lifelong benefits to the soul. Thank you, Mr. Roach, for being such a good guide in this endeavor. It is my hope that my gift will help Notre Dame continue its commitment to the SOUND.”
Mrs. Sarah Pour can be assured that Notre Dame’s band programs do and will continue to make joyful SOUNDS as they consistently shake down the thunder from the skies.
