Bang on a Can Remembers Jim Preiss

In Memory of Jim Preiss:

James Preiss passed away on January 21st after fighting a long illness. There are too many things to say about the influence Jim had on me. I first met Jim while I was still in high school. I remember going to his house in Astoria, Queens for some lessons – he helped me prepare for college auditions. His studio was a glorious mess of instruments and everything you would not expect to find in a practice studio. I then studied with Jim for four years at the Manhattan School of Music. I recorded every lesson I had with him, wanting to capture all of the knowledge he offered, which was bountiful, endless. I never heard a negative word come from Jim. He was always supportive of everything I wanted to do. He introduced me to Bang on a Can and much more. He had a mysterious coffee thermos that never seemed to run empty. Even today I think of things that Jim said to me years ago in his mid-western zen-like way. He was my mentor and he will be missed greatly. A true gentleman.

– David Cossin, Bang on a Can All-Stars