Concert Honors Legacy of Band Program Directors

May 10, 2017

NV_directors_1 — Honored at a recent concert by the Northview High School Band program are, from left, current director Greg Wells, Mark Lago, Max Colley III, Joyce Antel, Jayne Bennett Winchester, Barb Engman Gillan, David Wells, Max Colley Jr. and Mike Mathews

The high school band program recently hosted eight current and former directors in a concert honoring their legacy.

In a program titled “Heroes, Mentors, and the Legacy They Leave,” directors joined current band members in songs celebrating that theme, including “Summon the Heroes” by John Williams.

Max Colley Jr., who directed the program for 40 years, played a solo and was honored with a song written for him

Max Colley Jr., who directed the band for 40 years, was honored by the Wind Ensemble playing “Legacy,” directed by its composer, Northview alumnus Ryan Limbeck. Colley and his son Max Colley III also played solos.

Mike Matthews, who directed the program beginning in 1979, came from Arizona for the occasion.

Invited by current director Greg Wells, others who attended included current middle school directors Mark Lago and Joyce Antel, along with former directors Jayne Bennett Winchester, Barb Engman Gillan and David Wells, Greg Wells’ father.

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Charles Honey

Charles Honey is and editor, helping to develop series and issues stories for all districts. He is also producer of the SNN podcast, "Study Hall." As a reporter for The Grand Rapids Press/MLive from 1985 to 2009, his beats included Grand Rapids Public Schools, local colleges and education issues. He served as editor of The Press’ award-winning Religion section for 15 years and its columnist for 20. His freelance articles have appeared in Christianity Today, Religion News Service and Faith & Leadership magazine.