Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble honor musical "legends"

MARSHFIELD - For about 30 years, five members of the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band have been lugging their instruments and music to campus for concerts and rehearsals.

The Musical ‘Legends’ Fall  Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 14, will honor Dr. Bill Myers, Randy Hastreiter, Gayle Ruckwardt, Bonnie Kegler and Robert Biederwolf.  Each of these musicians has chosen a favorite piece for the band to perform.  Ruckwardt and Biederwolf will also perform with the UW-M/WC Jazz Ensemble, which, under the direction of Jeff Erickson, will share the bill for the concert.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 715-389-6534. The concert will be held in the Helen Laird Theatre, UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W. 5^th St.  The event is sponsored by Festival Foods of Marshfield and the Laird Endowment Fund for the Arts.

“We’re lucky to have many dedicated musicians in our program,” said Dr. David De Lyser, conductor and assistant music professor.  “These five, in particular, have demonstrated a long-standing commitment.  It is time to honor their dedication to our musical community.”

Each of the following musicians will have their names engraved on a newly installed “Music Legends” plaque that will hang in the lobby of the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building.  They will also each receive special recognition.

● Robert Biederwolf, music professor emeritus, trumpet, Marshfield.   Biederwolf was the campus music professor from 1967 to 1993. He conducted countless band, symphony and pit orchestra performances during his career.  He started playing trumpet when he was in seventh or eighth grade. He selected “2nd Suite in F for Military Band” by Gustav Holst.

“One way or another, I’ve been associated with the band for about 30 years,” he said. “When I stopped conducting, I started playing.  I’ve also played with the (UW-M/WC) symphony and the Jazz Ensemble on and off.”

● Dr. Bill Myers, trombone, Marshfield. “Highlights from Jesus Christ Superstar,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was Myer‘s selection. He has played with the band for more than 30 years, and claims to be one of the oldest members, if not the oldest.  He also plays with the symphony.

“I play for fun,” Myers said. “That’s really it.”

● Bonnie Kegler, bass clarinet, Wisconsin Rapids. Kegler’s mother started her on an old metal clarinet when she was about 10.  She has been playing with the band for about 25 years.  She chose “Nimrod Variation,” from Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations.”

“(Playing in the band) provides a lot of fellowship and camaraderie,” Bonnie said. “It really keeps me going.  It’s such a joy.”

● Randy Hastreiter, clarinet, Marshfield.  He chose “Suite from West Side Story,” by Leonard Bernstein.

“I started playing when I was a student here in 1978 under Bob Biederwolf,” Hastreiter said. “I just never really quit. I played in the band, the symphony and for Campus Community Players for many years.”

● Gayle Ruckwardt, trombone, Marshfield. Ruckwardt selected a piece that features her instrument. “Lassus Trombone,” by Henry Fillmore, has always been one of her favorites.  She has played with the band for about 30 years. She started on trombone when she was in fifth grade.

“I wanted to play the flue, but Al Perner, the band director at Pittsville, talked me into trombone,” she said. “I’m really glad I’m not a flute player.  Trombone is so much fun.  It has been a creative outlet for me that I really enjoy.”

Other upcoming “Music @ The Wood” performances include:

● “The Murder of Marsha Field,” Nov 16, 17.  When singer/actress Marsha Field turns up dead along Veterans Parkway, Inspector Wood and Detective Marathon face a perplexing Central Wisconsin mystery. Neal S’ville, Sherry Township, Spencer Loyal, Lindsey Granton, Hugh Itt - they all have motive, means, and opportunity.  It’s up to the audience, the UW-M/WC Symphony Orchestra and a nine-member chorus to solve this original symphonic mystery in the key of d-e-a-d. Sponsored by the Laird Endowment for the Arts. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

● Music @ the Wood “Holiday Concert,” Dec. 4. Join the UW-M/WC Concert Choir, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble as they perform holiday classics old and new. Under the direction of De Lyser and Erickson.  Sponsored by the Laird Endowment Fund for the Arts. Tickets are $7.

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