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February 4, 2003
Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu
Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)
| TROY
STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-334-670-3196 |
| Kenneth
Bloomquist inducted into National Band Hall of Fame at TSU The former director of bands at Michigan State University was inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors in a luncheon ceremony at Troy State University’s Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor Saturday. Kenneth Bloomquist became the 44th member of the Hall of Fame, which is located on the TSU campus. The National Band Association established the Hall of Fame in 1979. "This is the ultimate honor for me," Bloomquist said. "You always dream about something like this, to be honored with internationally known leaders such as John Philip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman and John Bourgeois." Bloomquist joined the Michigan State University faculty as Director of Bands, coming from the University of Kansas. He was director of the School of Music at MSU from 1978 to 1988 and retired from the university in 1994. He earned degrees from the University of Illinois and his experience includes teaching in public schools and serving in the U.S. Army. Dr. Jay Julian, former Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee, praised Bloomquist as a hall-of-fame person as well as a hall-of-fame bandleader. "Anyone who has spent time with Ken Bloomquist recognizes his kindness, good will and camaraderie," Julian said. "Pleasant, funny, warm and caring are words we often hear from Ken’s colleagues—all of whom respect and appreciate his work and enjoy his friendship." Bloomquist is past president of the American Bandmasters Association and a past president of the National Band Association. He has appeared as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia and Mexico, In 2000 and 2001, he served as guest conductor at the Czech Music Camp for Youth in the Czech Republic. In 1998, 2000 and 2002, he was conductor-in-residence at the Musahino Academia Muiscae in Tokyo. He and his wife, Ann, have three children and nine grandchildren. Dr. John M. Long, Director of Bands Emeritus at TSU, unveiled the portrait of Bloomquist that will hang in the hall of fame. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, made opening remarks at the ceremony. |