Sadness: NJ violinist is killed in freak bike accident
mainThe strings world is sorrowing over the loss of Jocelyn Gertel, a player and teacher who was pitched over the handlebars of her bike as she rode downhill in Hawthorne, New Jersey. She never recovered consciousness.
Jocelyn, a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, was a member of Romanza Music and other ensembles.
Our condolences to her family and many friends.
For some reason Chausson’s “Poeme” popped into my head when I read this. A sad story.
Chausson died crashing into a brick wall with bicycle…
Jocelyn was one of my best friends, ever since we moved to New York City at the same time to play in an orchestra. She continued to amaze me as she grew as a person, a musician, an educator, and a cyclist. She flew to Albuquerque and played for my wedding, Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”, and it was so moving. The last time she visited me, she biked with me and my husband, then promptly bought me a new helmet to replace my old, ill-fitting one. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss her.
my condolences where should the north Jersey Masters run in memory of her every race that we do let’s do it for her
I am so sad to learn this news. We grew up together and studied with the same violin teacher. So many memories of growing up under the watchful eye of our beloved teacher. We chatted at every Youth Orchestra break. I shall miss you, Jocelyn. My heartfelt sympathy to Jocelyn’s family and friends.
Jocelyn touched us all. She spread the joy of music. I was amazed at how many friends came forward to help her mother through the shock of the accident and the days of quickly fading hope to the funeral and beyond. But even in death, Jocelyn is giving renewed hope, Her last act was that of a multiple organ donor.
There’s a memorial concert for her sponsored by her school district, Tuesday night, June 20, at Paramus (NJ) High School at 7 p.m.
Marty Steinberg
Romanza Music