Mr. O. Archives | BenitoLink

State Senator Anna Caballero speaks in memory of Joseph "Mr. O" Ostenson. Screenshot of Feb. 22 session of the California Legislature.

Joseph Ostenson memorialized in state Capitol

Published 02/27/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, Andrew Pearson

State Senator Anna Caballero adjourns in memory of the Hollister music instructor who died in January.

Joseph Ostenson plays the trumpet at the San Benito County Fair, 2013. Photo courtesy of Joseph and Francine Ostenson.

Remembering Joseph Ostenson

Published 01/08/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, Andrew Pearson

Family and former students speak about Mr. O as music teacher, jazz bandleader, and pillar of the community.

The music of his life

Published 06/01/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, Becky Bonner

When Joe Ostenson came to Hollister in 1965 to teach music, he believed he would stay one year before moving on. Fast forward to 2019 and after a 45-year career with the Hollister School District, Mr. O as people fondly call him, is still teaching music. Asked what kept Ostenson in Hollister all those years,