Wade, Dean Marable (1941-2005) | University of Illinois Archives

Dean Marable "Buck" Wade (1941-2005) was percussionist and alumnus of the University of Illinois. Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 30, 1941, the son of David and Sue Wade. He attended and graduated from West Aurora High School in 1958. As a child he performed in the Chicago Boys Club Bands on percussion and trombone, the Modernaire's Drum and Bugle Corps, and Vaquero's Drum and Bugle Corps. Wade attended the University of Illinois and studied music, performing in the concert band and the Marching Illini on percussion. He played timpani within the University Bands and toured with the University of Illinois Percussion Ensemble under Jack McKenzie. Graduating with his bachelors of music education in 1962, Wade returned to earn dual masters degrees in music education and percussion performance in 1971. He completed course work for a doctoral of musical arts, but did not finish his degree. Wade taught at Joliet Catholic High School, Illinois State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Interlochen National Music Camp, and the University of Michigan.

Later in life, Wade worked for Control Data Corp, Training and Education Group (Washington DC), and Learning Technologies International. He also performed timpani and marimba with the United States Marine Band and the National Concert Band of America, where he also served as the conductor. Wade died on December 21, 2005 in Arlington, VA.

"In Memoriam," Sonorities (Spring 2007).

"Percussion Group to Give Concerts in Michigan Cities," Daily Illini (November 30, 1960): 9.

"Dean Marable Buck Wade," Find A Grave Memorial. Online at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12889474/dean-marable-wade