The Sun City Concert Band celebrated the end of the season in a big way.
“This year was a wonderful season where we learned many things we forgot,” stated club President Jane Higgs.
The group enjoyed a special presentation, as well as a group meal. Higgs said the food was sponsored by the Concert Band Society, that does so much for the group. This year a new copies was needed in the bank office, after the 18-year-old copier stopped working, as well as other things.
“We are thankful to the Recreation Centers of Sun City for the utilization of independent contractors, otherwise we would be in the hole,” stated Higgs.
Higgs also unveiled a custom chair in honor of Sun City Concert Band Director Charles E. Musgrave. He was selected as the first director emeritus award recipient during the celebration.
She said the band was honoring a man who has devoted his time and talents for 27 years to the Sun City Concert Band and musical organizations in the area, including the 84 members in the current club.
“The joy of my life is making music and finding people who are dedicated to make music better. When I look at this band I think about how many people have disappeared during my tenure. Twenty-seven very joyful, grateful, loving years because I love each one of you and try to show that in our relationships,” stated Musgrave.
Musgrave said he will be with the band as long as he can and appreciate the new people that join the band and have extended the authenticity of what a real city band is all about.
Looking back when Musgrave was working his last job, he landed in a maximum security prison in Indiana working with inmate students pursuing a high school diploma, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Ball State University, Indiana University or Grace College. He created college classes, taught by college professors inside the prison.
Musgrave graduated from the Shurtleff College Conservatory of Music, then completed his Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois. He played French horn with the St. Louis Symphony. During his professional career he was the director of development at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Musgrave’s wife Toby Musgrave also plays the clarinet in the band. He is active in the Bellevue Heights Church Choir and Toby participates in the Willowbrook bell and church choirs.
The Sun City Concert Band Society board members include Wahls, vice president Nadine Meis, secretary Jennifer Reel and treasurer Cliff DeVlieg. The Sun City Concert Band board officers include past president Jim Wise, president Jane Higgs, vice president Claudia Cooley, treasurer Jean and Chuck Booth and secretary Julie Wise.
Jennifer Jimenez
Reporter | Sun City West
jjimenez@iniusa.org
I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.
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