Dr. Alan G. Zoloth, a highly praised teacher and classically trained flutist, passed away on October 27, 2013 at the age of 61 from heart failure. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Z, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Central High School in 1969, earned a BS in Biology from Temple University (1973), a BA in Flute Performance, summa cum laude, from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts (1976), an MA in Music Performance from the University of New Mexico (1979), and a Ph.D. in Music Performance from the University of North Texas (1994). He taught music, band, and orchestra in the public school systems of Albuquerque (1982-1988; 1990-1991; 1996-1997), Argyle, Texas (1989-1990), and Clayton County, Georgia (1997-2012) (music/certified ESL teacher). He was a visiting Assistant Professor at the Univ. of Arkansas (1991-1993) and an Assistant Professor and head of the Music Education Department at Louisiana Tech University (1993-1996). Dr. Z retired from Hawthorne Elementary School (Clayton County, Georgia) in 2012 due to health complications and was studying harp and Russian. His accomplishments included winning the National Flute Competition (1979, 1984), performing as piccolo player in the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra (beginning in 1978), and publishing an article in Flute Talk magazine (1991). He participated in and led several conferences in the Overeater's Anonymous community. Dr Z was loved by his students and colleagues, gave selflessly of his time, and was thoughtful, kind, and encouraging to all. His love of animals persisted through his life, beginning with his work at the Mt. Airy Animal Hospital in Philadelphia when he was a teenager. He is survived by his beloved dogs and cat; sister Ina Z. Cabanas and her husband Dr. Robert Cabanas of Pemberton, NJ; sister Dr. Shelley Z. Goodman of Elkins Park, PA; his niece Angela Rosen of Philadelphia, PA; nephews Ramon Cabanas of Pemberton, NJ; and Alexander Goodman of Philadelphia, PA; and his family of friends, colleagues and former students.

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