On May 7, Byron Hanson capped a remarkable musical career with his final concert as the director of the Academy band. The performance featured pieces that Mr. Hanson felt were especially important – music that represented ideas central to Interlochen’s mission and his own career: Holst’s Suite No. 1 in E-flat Major; “Blessed Are They” from the German Requiem by Brahms; Robert Russell Bennett’s Suite of Old American Dances; Polka and Fugue from Jaromír Weinberger’s “Schwanda the Bagpiper” and the “Interlochen Bowl March.”
Hanson first arrived at Interlochen as a high school camper in the summer of 1958. He returned to Interlochen in 1965 to work at the Arts Academy, which had only been in operation for a few years. Over his career, he served in a variety of roles including leading the band and orchestra.
In the program notes for the concert, Mr. Hanson wrote: “It has been a great joy for me to join in the collaborative efforts of my colleagues to guide and nurture these remarkable young people as they endeavor to discover the role music plays in their lives and contemplate what they will do next.”
While Mr. Hanson will step down from his position as director of the Academy Band, he will not be leaving Interlochen. Hanson’s long career at Interlochen will begin a new chapter as he takes the position of archivist for Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this role, he will apply his experience, which spans five decades, to organize and preserve Interlochen’s collection of historic documents.
In honor of Byron Hanson’s enormous contributions of time and talent, a fund has been established that will support Interlochen’s visiting faculty program. The Fund has been named the “Byron Hanson Visiting Teacher Fund” and will support Interlochen’s efforts to bring guest music educators and artists to campus. Visiting artists and teachers support and enhance the work of Interlochen faculty and allow students to explore many styles and forms that otherwise might not be heard on campus.
If you are interested in making a gift to honor Byron Hanson's dedication and many contributions to the Interlochen community, we invite you to call the Advancement Department at 231.276.7623.
