If you will allow me, I wish to take a few moments to write a personal memoir about music, its effect on my life and one particular person who contributed to it.\u00a0 I will not be with you in Fountain Park this Friday night as you enjoy The Kingsmen Quartet and The Tacketts for a night of Southern Gospel and Country Music.\u00a0 I will be in Bowling Green, Ohio to participate in a memorial celebration of the life of Mark S. Kelly, former director of bands at Bowling Green State University.<\/p>\n
Mr. Kelly, or \u201cChief\u201d, as many of his students affectionately and respectfully referred to him, passed away earlier this year.\u00a0 Since then, the family has been formulating and coordinating a proper memorial service for their father, our college band director and professor of music.\u00a0 Finally, this Saturday morning, a memorial concert with top BGSU Symphonic Band alumni will be performed in honor of Mr. Kelly.\u00a0 We have one rehearsal Friday night to put this entire program together.<\/p>\n
While practicing and listening to the music, much of which I performed during my time as a student musician at BGSU, I was reminded of why I chose music as a career path.\u00a0 Some of the most beautiful, intricate and challenging music I have ever heard and had the pleasure to perform came from my time under Mr. Kelly\u2019s baton.\u00a0 This weekend we get the opportunity to play some of that music one more time from the stage of Kobacker Hall on the campus of BGSU.<\/p>\n
There will be grown adults reminiscing about the many memories we had in college and especially the memories created by the common bond we had as music makers.\u00a0 I guess it must be akin to an athlete who competed on a field with teammates.\u00a0 So much went into the effort that you share those memories for a lifetime.\u00a0 I have no idea how many young adults Mr. Kelly influenced over his years from 1966 \u2013 1994 plus another 13 years of teaching in Iowa before his BGSU tenure.\u00a0 I am sure it reaches the thousands!<\/p>\n
Mark S. Kelly was no ordinary band director.\u00a0 He was one of the most respected college band directors in the country.\u00a0 As a matter of fact, following his retirement, the National Band Association named him as one of the 10 most outstanding music directors in the United States.\u00a0 Those of us who had the pleasure of learning from him, learned from a true legend.<\/p>\n
Those who have been teachers realize that a teacher does much more than just imparting knowledge to a student.\u00a0 At the University level, a student really grows into an adult.\u00a0 Mr. Kelly not only shared music knowledge, but also life knowledge.\u00a0 I believe most good teachers do this, whether it is intentional or not.\u00a0 \u201cChief\u201d expected excellence, dedication, and respect in all aspects of life and music.<\/p>\n
\u201cChief\u201d made me into the musician I am; one with strict attention to detail, but also creating the love and inner feeling for how music relates to oneself and others.\u00a0 Even though I spent a mere six years in public school as an educator, I have continued imparting my love and inspiration for music with others by directing a church choir, playing in the Lima Symphony Orchestra, and booking music for others to enjoy.\u00a0 What I learned sitting in band under Mr. Kelly\u2019s direction, I have continued sharing with others.\u00a0 I only hope that Mr. Kelly was proud of what I have continued in my ministry and life in music.<\/p>\n
We gather together in Bowling Green one last time to honor the man who meant so much to so many.\u00a0 We will give one last \u201cHail to the Chief!\u201d<\/p>\n
I am sure you will enjoy The Kingsmen Quartet and The Tacketts in Fountain Park this Friday night.\u00a0 Ray Reese, one of the founding fathers of this legendary Southern Gospel Quartet just called me and talked through their upcoming engagement.\u00a0 I wish I could be here to enjoy their music, but I know you will all be in good hands and enjoy a wonderful time with some great music.\u00a0 It will also be fun to welcome Sarah (Evans) Tackett back home to Van Wert.\u00a0 Portal 220, a local teen mission will be serving food beginning at 5:30 p.m.\u00a0 The rain location will be in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.<\/p>\n
I would like to put a shout out to Truly Divine Bakery in Van Wert.\u00a0 Last week, they surprised us in Fountain Park with a box of donuts to share with The Endless Summer Band.\u00a0 It was a very thoughtful gesture and the band appreciated their kindness \u2026 probably around midnight as they were heading back to Indianapolis!<\/p>\n
FIN\u00c8.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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