Sidener, born Rosann Powell in Pittsburgh on April 26, 1955, passed away from cervical cancer on April 15 after a two year battle with the disease. She was 57.
She earned both a bachelor's and master's of music degree in music education from the University of Miami Frost School of Music and a doctoral degree from Columbia University. She was affectionately called "Doc" by her students.
Her passion for music began while playing the violin in fourth grade. She later sang lead roles in school musicals and at church, and played piano and French horn.
“She liked teaching because music was part of her life,’’ her husband said. “She loved conducting and loved turning kids on to music. And she was really good at it. She had one of the top choral programs in the area.’’
Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music offered his condolences, "This is a very sad day for the entire family of the Frost School. Our hearts and prayers go out to Whit and the entire family as they endure the grief of losing their loved ones. Roseann was an amazing and accomplished woman. A commemoration of her life and legacy will be held later this Spring, and we will provide details when they become available."
Roseann Sidener is survived by her husband Whit Sidener; stepson David Sidener; her mother, Martha Powell; brothers Samuel and Daniel Powell; and sister Carol Eaton.
