Russell Coleman holds a plaque honoring his 35 years of service as founder and conductor of the Warrensburg Community Band at a celebration June 13.
Photo courtesy of Warrensburg Community Band
Contributed by Warrensburg Community Band
WARRENSBURG — Approximately 50 former and current members of the Warrensburg Community Band gathered June 13 at the Knob Hill Barn 1892 to honor Russell Coleman’s 35 years of service.
Alice Coleman was also recognized for her service as treasurer for 35 years and hostess for all board meetings.
The event included a half hour musical program by the Kansas City Symphony Brass Quintet, a meal, a history of contributions and service with accomplishments by the band, an open mic for reflections by audience members, a special fanfare performed by Bill Lane and Gary Moege, a plaque presentation by WCB Board President David Robinson and closing remarks by Russell Coleman.
The thirty-five year history highlights include pieces written for the band, invitations to perform and joint concerts.
Three pieces written for the WCB:
- “Old Drum: A Tribute to the Dog” by Roger Mason (July 1986)
- “Band of Silver” on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the WCB by JR Reynolds (July 2009)
- “My Son the Hero Overture” by JR Reynolds (2011)
- “Reflections” by Robert Langenfeld on the occasion of Russ’ 90th Birthday and premiered at MBA (Tan-Tar-A 2018)
Invitations to perform:
- President Obama – Warrensburg/Whiteman Air Force Base visit (July 2013)
- 4 times - Missouri Bandmasters Association Convention (Millstone Lodge 1993; Marina Bay Resort 1998; The Resort at Port Arrowhead 2012; Tan-Tar-A 2018)
- 1 time - Kansas Bandmasters Association Convention (Overland Park, Kansas, 1996)
- 3 times – Pro Art Musica Series in Joplin (2011, 2013, 2016)
Neighboring community concerts:
- Henry County Courthouse – Clinton (1992, 1994, 1995, 2001)
- Skelton Park - Whiteman Air Force Base (1997)
- Montserrat Vineyards – hosted by Kelly Weinberger (11 years)
Joint concerts:
- University of Central Missouri – Christmas Concerts (17)
- Warrensburg Middle School – Summer School (8)
- Jugendblasorchester Lubeck School of Music – Wbg (1994)
- Marshall Community Band (2012, 2017)
- Sedalia Community Band (2018)
Charter members Mark Smith, Gay Smith, Gary Moege, Denise Robinson and David Robinson are still active participants with the band.
Russell Coleman is a founding member of WCB.
Anthony Pursell, current director of bands at UCM, has agreed to succeed Russell Coleman as conductor of the WCB.
