Author: The County Journal

Crissta Ames Contributing Writer William “Bill” Sutherland, a well-known citizen of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, Dec. 2 at the age of 83. Sutherland was a tremendous influence in the lives of students who were under his wing in the Charlotte High School band until his retirement in 1993, as well as during his time being a junior high director.  Along with directing the Charlotte bands, Sutherland also taught music for 18 years at Linden High School and was the president of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.  As the Charlotte community grieves over the loss of Sutherland, his good friend and longtime CHS colleague Gary Sullivan, reflects on the pair’s work in the following letter addressed to the MSBOA:  “Family, friends, colleagues, the community of Charlotte, and the greater Michigan band community are saddened by the passing of William Sutherland. Bill was a music teacher and band conductor to thousands, adjudicator, piano accompanist and church organist, a mentor to numerous band directors, a stable voice of MSBOA’s leadership (including his role as president), clarinetist in the Lansing Concert Band, and a valued community member who provided service to countless organizations. To me Bill was a trusted friend and colleague. In the summer of 1983, he attracted me to the high school position in Charlotte, where for the first 10 of my 27 years as director, Bill and I...

Crissta Ames Contributing Writer While the floats and giant balloons are most households’ reason to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Charlotte High School senior Ryan Klann was giving this town another reason to tune in to the ever-popular event.  Every year, CHS sends their drum majors to a camp called Smith Walbridge, where the Macy’s Great American Band chooses drum majors based on their performances. The two drum majors that get chosen yearly are chosen based on spirit, performance, and overall excellence. This year, Klann was one of those hardworking students who WAS chosen. “Because of my performance and achievements at Smith Walbridge this last summer, the director of Smith Walbridge and his staff felt I was a deserving candidate for this honor,” Klann said. In rehearsal, Klann said the environment was friendly despite feeling a little under pressure and dealing with the fast-paced nature.  “With so much to accomplish in the little rehearsal time we had, it was awesome to witness what so many focused minds could produce during a rehearsal!” Klann said, believing that the common interest in music helped tie everything together and make it work like clockwork. “I’ve been blown away from the encouragement the community has given me these past few months, and I’m so thankful for all the support and love I’ve received. It was an absolute honor to represent my band,...