Pat Badger
I first came to know Alan as one of those energizer accompanists that enabled students to soar at the district and state music contests. The students would be jammed around a competition room saying, "Where's Mr. Biehn?!!! (who was off doing a myriad of other rooms at the same time)." And then there he was, sprinting with his arms overflowing with music books, zipping onto the piano bench to save the day. Lots of strings and vocalists depended on his extraordinary skill set, which included talent, intuition, focus, patience for all those adolescent hormones, true enthusiasm and compassion.
Later, Alan became my right and left hand for many a Prairie Middle School musical, and choral rehearsals, and choral concerts and just about anything else we thought up. This meant he appeared at the oddest of times as requested. Always prepared and reliable and filled with joy. He supported and encouraged - and perhaps we did that for him, too. For our students he had only affection - and we, for him. Sometimes we would talk - about the arts, about politics, about our stories. We truly saw each other's hearts.
Alan was my accompanist. Alan was my colleague. But, best of all Alan was my friend. I will never forget the sweet gentleness of my dear friend, Alan Biehn.
Pat Badger
Performing Arts Head Retired
The Prairie School
Racine, Wisconsin