Hail to the chief: a personal memoir

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.  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.  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.

Mr. Kelly, or “Chief”, as many of his students affectionately and respectfully referred to him, passed away earlier this year.  Since then, the family has been formulating and coordinating a proper memorial service for their father, our college band director and professor of music.  Finally, this Saturday morning, a memorial concert with top BGSU Symphonic Band alumni will be performed in honor of Mr. Kelly.  We have one rehearsal Friday night to put this entire program together.

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.  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’s baton.  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.

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.  I guess it must be akin to an athlete who competed on a field with teammates.  So much went into the effort that you share those memories for a lifetime.  I have no idea how many young adults Mr. Kelly influenced over his years from 1966 – 1994 plus another 13 years of teaching in Iowa before his BGSU tenure.  I am sure it reaches the thousands!

Mark S. Kelly was no ordinary band director.  He was one of the most respected college band directors in the country.  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.  Those of us who had the pleasure of learning from him, learned from a true legend.

Those who have been teachers realize that a teacher does much more than just imparting knowledge to a student.  At the University level, a student really grows into an adult.  Mr. Kelly not only shared music knowledge, but also life knowledge.  I believe most good teachers do this, whether it is intentional or not.  “Chief” expected excellence, dedication, and respect in all aspects of life and music.

“Chief” 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.  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.  What I learned sitting in band under Mr. Kelly’s direction, I have continued sharing with others.  I only hope that Mr. Kelly was proud of what I have continued in my ministry and life in music.

We gather together in Bowling Green one last time to honor the man who meant so much to so many.  We will give one last “Hail to the Chief!”

I am sure you will enjoy The Kingsmen Quartet and The Tacketts in Fountain Park this Friday night.  Ray Reese, one of the founding fathers of this legendary Southern Gospel Quartet just called me and talked through their upcoming engagement.  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.  It will also be fun to welcome Sarah (Evans) Tackett back home to Van Wert.  Portal 220, a local teen mission will be serving food beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The rain location will be in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

I would like to put a shout out to Truly Divine Bakery in Van Wert.  Last week, they surprised us in Fountain Park with a box of donuts to share with The Endless Summer Band.  It was a very thoughtful gesture and the band appreciated their kindness … probably around midnight as they were heading back to Indianapolis!

FINÈ.