Sunday, March 11, at 3 p.m., the Lansing Concert Band will take the stage of the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, featuring several musicians with roots in the Charlotte community. The featured marimba soloist is Charlotte’s own Cody Edgerton, performing “Suite for Marimba & Band” by Peter Tanner.
Edgerton is a graduate of Charlotte Public Schools, and was taught by both Ms. Stacie Detgen and Dr. Gary T. Sullivan before graduating in 2010. Cody attained his degree from Michigan State University after completing a program in Music Education, which included performances throughout the nation with the Spartan Marching Band, the MSU Percussion Ensemble, and the MSU Wind Symphony. During this time, he also marched two summers with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Upon graduation in 2015, Cody was appointed Band Director in Elk Rapids, Mich. He led the Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Band, earning Superior ratings at MSBOA Festivals. Currently, Cody is the Assistant Band Director at Grandville High School in Grand Rapids. He is grateful for the opportunity to return to his hometown to perform on the CPAC stage with the Lansing Concert Band.
The band’s most senior member, tubist Laura Cudney Topping, graduated in 1945 and participated in the Charlotte Bands, conducted by Mr. Ward Hynes. She has expressed wonderful memories of her Charlotte Band years, including travel to the Holland Tulip Festival and assisting with band camp after graduation when Mr. Powell led the band.
Susan Thurow, bassoonist, performed in the Charlotte Band under the leadership of Robert K. Powell. Susan claims that Mr. Powell changed her to bassoon, an instrument on which she has pursued significant professional study. Susan is the principal bassoonist in the Lansing Concert Band.
Jen Reum, flutist, performed in the Charlotte Bands under the leadership of both Dr. Gary Sullivan and Mr. William Sutherland, graduating in 1989. Jen graduated from WMU in 1993 in business and accounting. She currently works as a financial controller and is a very competent flutist, enjoying her concert performance with the band. Also, Jen has assumed leadership positions with the band.
Samantha Kobb, bassoonist, performed in the Charlotte Bands under the leadership of both Dr. Gary Sullivan and Stacie Detgen. Samantha has pursued music, performing as a bassoonist during her music studies at Michigan State University and currently with the Lansing Concert Band. Samantha is a music consultant working for Marshall Music.
Harrison Sanders, performing on euphonium, performed in the Charlotte Band under the leadership of Mr. Jerry Rose and Stacie Detgen. While in high school, Harrison studied euphonium with Dr. Sullivan. Since graduating from Charlotte High School in 2015, Harrison has attended Michigan State University and participated in the Spartan Marching Band, the Spartan Brass, and the Lansing Concert Band. Harrison’s excellence has been featured with the Lansing Concert Band as a soloist.
Charlotte residents Scott (tuba) and Barb (French Horn) Myckowiak are long-term members of the Lansing Concert Band. Barb is very active in the Children Concert Series provided by the Lansing Concert Band and is a church volunteer, while Scott conducts the choir at Peace Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
Dr. Gary Sullivan assumed the position of Artistic Director & Conductor of the Lansing Concert Band upon his retirement from Charlotte Public Schools in 2010.
He stated, “It is with great pride that we present former CHS Band students in their current musical positions. It reflects, positively, on the community of Charlotte and the decades of dedication to instrumental music.”
The Winter Concert will feature familiar concert band selections, light concert music, and movie music. In addition, features include marimba soloist Cody Edgerton, oboe soloist Carla Larzelere, the LCB Trombone Ensemble and the LCB Horn Ensemble.
The concert will be hosted by television, radio, and theatrical personality Kenneth Beachler. Tickets are available through the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Phone (517) 543-5690 or visit charlotteperformingartscenter.com.
Article submitted by the Lansing Concert Band.
