Skip To Main Content

Hilltop Happenings

The Passing of Longtime Music Teacher Anton Kuskin
Shana Stalker

Anton graced the Hilltop for the last 15 years as conductor of our classical ensemble, Anton was a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and lover of great music. Music Department Chair Peter McEachern describes his dear friend and colleague as a "pedagogic force in many schools in the area and also highly respected as a professional flautist. He leaves a void in the fabric of the music department here on the Hilltop. His positive spirit, dedication and mischievous manner was wonderful to be around."

Anton's obituary follows below:

Anton David Kuskin was born on March 31, 1936, and passed away on the same day in 2021. A beautiful musician, master teacher, and powerful performer, Anton was artistically fearless and profoundly inspirational.

Son of Lawrence and Sarah (Saperstein), and brother of Charles, Anton grew up in Brooklyn. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, he founded Trio Sonata in 1975. Featuring Anton on flute, Donald Bender on oboe, and Gary Kessler on Guitar, Trio Sonata played New York venues and toured internationally. In 1981 the trio recorded Trio Sonata: Music for Flute, Oboe & Guitar, the first of five albums together. Anton continued to lead Trio Sonata until 2002, recording a final album with Judy Dansker on oboe and Rob Phelps on guitar in 1998.

A brilliant teacher and gifted administrator, Anton taught in the NYC public school system, co-founded the Brooklyn Boys Chorus School with James McCarthy, and served as faculty at Hotchkiss, Indian Mountain, and Salisbury Schools. He continued to teach until the very last weeks of his life. Anton is survived by William Kuskin, his daughter-in-law, Richelle Munkhoff, his grand-daughter, Helen May Kuskin, and his ex-wife, Joanne “Sunny” Kuskin, and her four children, Christianne White, Will McMillan, Ian McMillan, and Merydith McMillan.

Anton brought joy to many and will be remembered with love.