Eugene T. (Jack) Mouse

Jack Mouse, 78, of Emporia died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Ks.

He had enjoyed a 60-year career as a musician. Jack received world-wide accolades for his talents as a drummer and music educator, as well as a composer, bandleader, sideman, entrepreneur, percussion instrument designer and author.

Eugene T. Mouse, the son of Thomas H. and Bertha B. Service Mouse, was born May 29, 1946, in Emporia.

He graduated in 1964 from Emporia High School and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. While a student there he composed a series of multiple percussion solos later published by Studio PR Publications, which would become standard repertoire for elementary and high-school drum set and percussion students.

After graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Music degree from the College of Emporia, Jack was featured soloist for three years with the United States Air Force Academy Falconaires, the official jazz ensemble of the U.S.A.F. Academy, with whom he toured and recorded. He since performed with numerous notable artists, including Stan Kenton, Clark Terry, Bunky Green, Joe Williams, James Moody, Randy Brecker and many others.

Jack’s recordings as bandleader include two CDs of original compositions, “Intimate Adversary” (2019) and “Range of Motion” (2012), as well as free improvisation, “Artful Dodgers” (2023), “Three Story Sandbox” (2016), and “Snakeheads & Ladybugs” (2014). He also recorded several albums with the Dan Haerle Trio and with his wife, Janice Borla, with whom he celebrated their 40th anniversary on Memorial Day 2024. The couple had returned to Emporia to live – not to retire -- in 2022.

Jack served for 24 years as Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies at North Central College in Naperville, IL and for 26 years led the rhythm section of the Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp. He had previously served on the faculties of the American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, IL; Benedictine University, Lisle, IL; Saskatchewan School of the Arts in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Clark Terry Great Plains Jazz Camp, Emporia; National Stage Band Camps; and the Jamey Aebersold Combo Camps.

Jack was a staff artist and clinician for Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, and Aquarian Drum Heads. He presented clinics and workshops at jazz festivals, music conventions, colleges and high schools throughout the world. He received an Aquarian Award of Achievement in acknowledgement of his contributions as a performer and jazz educator. In 2018, he was inducted into the Emporia High School Hall of Fame, and in 2022 into the Frank A. Beach Hall of Distinction at Emporia State University, which recognizes significant contributions in music benefitting the university, community, state, or nation, and outstanding reputation within the music profession.

In 2017, Jack and Janice established the non-profit Flashpoint Creative Arts, to promote the wider use of improvisation beyond jazz. They used the non-profit to work with young people with autism spectrum disorder, for which the Rotary Foundation designated them Paul Harris Fellows.

In June 2024, Jack released his drum method book and online instructional video, “Rhythmic Counterpoint: Complex Independence for the Contemporary Drummer.” The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Janice of Emporia; two cousins Bonnie King French of Tampa, FL and Janet King Greer of Albuquerque, NM; and two second cousins once-removed, Melinda (Lindy) Mouse Whetzel of Emporia and Merryl Mouse McRae of Iola, KS.

Cremation has taken place. Plans are underway to honor his memory and his music at the Emporia Granada Theatre on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a fund to be designated later may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia KS 66801.