Farewell to Don Hyvarinen, Director of Bands

 

Marie Wilson, President – Band Boosters

 

On May 26, 2005 I received a telephone call from Don Hyvarinen, Director of Bands to inform me that he is resigning as Band Director for the Webberville Schools. This news surprised me and saddens me because Webberville is losing a young but determined instructor to bring new ideas and support for the band program. Don started in Webberville four years ago when Ms. Suddeth resigned to take a position elsewhere. Webberville had a good band program then and has a better program now. All of this is due to Don’s dedication to improve upon what is already good.

 

Not many people know that Don worked late hours after school to put together programs, lesson plans, finalize band festivals, and many other tasks that a band director needs to do in order to have a successful program. There were some evenings that Don didn’t even go home, but spent the night at school because he knew how important it was for the students to learn, grow, and be their best. Don strived to have the students exceed their “personal bests.”

 

In addition to working late hours, Don also contributed monies when there were not enough funds to purchase music for the marching band, concert band, and jazz band. He also kicked in additional money when there were left over fund raising products just so that the band program didn’t lose money; money needed to purchase instruments, supplies, new banners, and a multitude of other items. Each of the four years, Don contributed money to the Middle School Cake Walk at the Fireman’s Field Day. Why did Don do these things? He did them because he believes in the program and more importantly in the students. Don’s love for music has shown through with his actions.

A quiet but steady steamer, Don didn’t stop or give up on the students or the band program. Life needs to be balanced with dynamics and reserved but steady quietness. Don filled in the gap and at his last concert on May 12, 2005 the students’ gratitude for Don was expressed in their presentations to Don. Those that came to the band concerts appreciated the hard work of the students and Don.

 

On behalf of the Band Boosters, students, and parents of the students, we would like to say “THANK YOU” and we will miss you. We wish you the best in your new position and your upcoming nuptials. If you are true to yourself, you will be true to others – you cannot go wrong in life.

 

Best wishes for a successful career in your new position and new marriage.