Sarge Boyd

Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd (1901–87)

Robert, Joanne and David Boyd standing in front of the plaque commemorating their father's accomplishments

The Sarge Boyd Bandshell, built in 1938 to accommodate the Eau Claire Municipal Band, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd (June 21, 1901 in Wendell, Minnesota – March 1, 1987 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin) was an American band director and teacher.

Career

A 1926 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Sarge arrived in Eau Claire as a band, orchestra and history teacher for the local high school in 1929. He had a profound impact on the band program, increasing participation from 14 students to 275 by the time he retired in 1963. During that time his bands received many awards and he became known throughout the state for his adept musical leadership.

In 1934, he replaced William Keller as director of the Eau Claire Municipal Band. A master showman whose polished performances featured the finest singers and instrumentalists in the area, and spectacular lighting effects that were an integral component of each concert, he caused the Thursday evening event to become a major summertime attraction with attendance often approaching 4,000. In 1992, 12 years after his retirement, the bandshell in Owen Park was named for him.^[1] In 2010, a memorial plaque was installed at Owen Park in recognition of his half century of musical contributions to the community.

Achievements

Charter member of Phi Beta Mu
Recipient of Book of Golden Deeds Award from Eau Claire Exchange Club
Recipient of Carlo A. Sperati Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Field of Music from Luther College of Decorah, Iowa
Recipient of First Award of Harmony from the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA)

Personal life

On August 20, 1928, Sarge married Joan Sad (1905–1992). They had three children: Robert, David, and Joanne.^[2] Following in his father's footsteps; in 1965, David moved to Naperville, Illinois and was a band director for 29 years. After retiring, he taught at an academy, gave private clarinet lessons and performed as a volunteer. David Boyd died November 6, 2013.^[3]

References

↑ Tim Stein. "Bandshell to be dedicated to `Sarge' Boyd". Leader-Telegram, August 6, 1992, p. 24.
↑ Tom Lawin (June 27, 1969). "Municipal Band, Durable Local Institution". Eau Claire Leader-Daily Telegram.
↑ "David Boyd: Obituary". Leader-Telegram Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2014.

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