Professor John Allen Strange

passed away on Wednesday February 20, 2008 in Seattle Washington. Born in Calexico California, June 26, 1943.Allen Strange lived an amazing 64 years contributing his life to music and the arts. Allen was a leading American composer and performer as well as a Professor of Music at San Jose State University in California. Involved with music technology since the middle 1960's Allen Strange has remained active as a composer, performer, educator and author.In the late 1960's Allen and his wife Patricia founded BIOME, a pioneering live electronic music ensemble. In 1976 he co-founded the Electric Weasel Ensemble with synthesizer designer Donald Buchla. Allen Strange composed for live electronic instrumental ensembles for live electronics with voices, acoustic instruments and for the theater.Allen has lectured throughout America, Asia and Europe on various aspects of avant-garde music and served as consultant to several electronic music instrument manufacturers. Strange's music has been recorded and performed in Europe, Canada, South Africa, South America, Japan and throughout the United States.Retired from academia in 2002 Allen lived on Bainbridge Island, WA, pursuing a full time career, concretizing with his wife and working with his jazz trio, Cuvee. Allen was an active board member of the Bainbridge Island Music Guild and helped bring new music to the community. Allen was a great character, an educated, articulate musician and a great friend, father and husband.Allen is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Erin and Robin Strange, son-in-law Doug Morse and grandson Donovan Strange-Pruss.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial reception will be held at the Bainbridge Island Music Guild Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 4pm [Map].Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.