Band director retires after 47 years of loyal service

Music professor Jack Saunders said, in light of his retirement in August, he is thankful for the experiences he’s had at CMU.
Central has been very supportive of Saunders ever since he set foot on the campus in 1953, he said.
“Since the day I arrived as a freshman until my retirement, the university and the people involved with it have been very kind, generous and supportive of my efforts, and for that I am very appreciative,” Saunders said.
Saunders involvement with CMU began with the head of the “Swingin’ Chips” in 1963, he said.
The “Swingin’ Chips” were a jazz band whose main responsibility was playing for university dances and events, Saunders said.
“In the beginning of the move in universities toward active jazz programs, I sort of ‘fell’ in charge,” he said.
Saunders said there were “some guys” in the group that had problems with organization and planning and asked if he would help organize and produce some leadership. He said he gladly agreed.
“Over time, the group developed into a university course. The band existed previous to my leadership and I sort of moved it into the Jazz Ensemble direction,” Saunders said.
The Jazz Ensemble is similar to the Jazz Lab currently available at CMU, he said.
Over the years, Saunders said his experiences at CMU have shown him the dedication of students.
Saunders career at Central has seen many titles including being a professor of the French horn, director of the Marching Chippewas, coordinator of the Jazz Studies program and organizer of the annual jazz festival, he said.
“As the responsibilities of a professor of French horn, I’ve had the opportunity to work with wonderful students. Up until a few years ago, I was also the director of the Wind Symphony, which was mainly a concert group,” he said.
“I’ve become more appreciative of the quality of the institution and the quality and caring nature of the students and their talents. The students I’ve worked with are unselfish, hardworking and loyal. They understand and appreciate music,” he said.
Saunders said that there are a lot of terrific students at Central that have an excellent faculty and a caring administration.
“To see students who have grown immensely in their musical talents, their willingness to teach and share very generously to other students, the community and the music world is exciting,” Saunders said.
“In the jazz program, the marching and concert bands and in my private horn lessons, it is amazing to see the growth, caring and unselfishness of students,” he said.
The students at CMU have a willingness to go that extra mile with no personal recognition, Saunders said, and to him that is extremely rewarding.
There are some difficulties in being a music professor as well, Saunders said.
“Just maintaining enough energy and enthusiasm to plan ahead and make sure everything gets done is a big challenge. Deadlines really sneak up on you. If you aren’t organized or don’t plan ahead, you can really get things slammed in your face,” he said.
Upon retirement, Saunders said he wishes to stay active, as he always has.
“I plan on being a guest conductor and have had some offers to do some writing. I am also looking forward to the arrival of my first grandchild. I will be as active in that persons life as my kids will let me,” he said.
Since the job of a professor of music is demanding, time has been taken away from his wife, and retirement will allow him to spend some time with her, Saunders said.
“I would like to play some golf and do some traveling, but it will be an opportunity to get reacquainted with my wife. The responsibilities of the job kept me busy and I feel I owe her some time and attention,” he said.