TRIBUTES were paid to a leading figure in Manx music who died in March.

Alan Pickard died on Saturday, March 26, at his home in Port St Mary, aged 69. 

His service to music spanned his whole working life and he taught at Ramsey Grammar School, Castle Rushen High School and as a senior lecturer in music at St Martin's College in Lancaster.

He also spent 17 years as head of the Island's music service.

A statement from the Department of Education said: "Like his father Harry before him Alan - first as a secondary music teacher and later as long-serving music adviser and conductor of various choirs and orchestras - introduced many thousands of young people to singing and playing instruments and left them with a love of music that has stayed with them for life.
 
"Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."

Update: Alan Pickard's funeral took place on April 4 this year. A concert to celebrate the life and work of Mr Pickard took place at the Villa Marina in September.

This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.