Eric J. Chapman as pictured in the 1960 Argus
Mark Furth is a member of the Viola List Blog and posted a tribute to GHS Classmate Eric Chapman, who died of lung cancer at age 68 on April 7th, 2011, in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He wrote, in part: Before opening a violin shop, Eric was a Teaching Fellow in African-American Studies at the University of Michigan and taught history at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire. Eric grew up in a musical home and by age four fell in love with the sound of the viola. As a youngster he helped to demonstrate violins and violas at the famous Wurlitzer shop in New York. He played viola for 45 years in civic orchestras, founded the Ann Arbor Summer Symphony in 1974, and remained active in chamber music. Eric brought unimpeachable integrity to a trade not always known for high ethical standards. He treated a young student shopping for a starter instrument with the same respect he accorded to a high-budget client looking for one made by an old Italian master. He never stopped learning and teaching. Eric is survived by his wife Adina, daughter Ariel (a very talented young violist) and a son, Raphael. I can't begin to express how much he will be missed. Need contact info to send condolences? Please leave your name using the comment feature or send an email to or call the keeper of the class database. 
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