Almost three years ago Joanna Hicks carted me off to a band concert over in Central Lake. It was a wonderful experience, and the next day I wrote a little post (Let there be music).
- The 6th Grade Band had been together for just 14 weeks, but everyone managed to get to the end together. You may think this is a patronizing remark, but it is not. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get to the end together? Very hard. Think about Congress. Ha. Good job, 6th graders. Good job, Director Nancy Schoensee.
- The Middle School Band demonstrated the next level of difficulty and accomplishment, playing harmony in harmony. Again, I ask you, is this easy? It is not. Good job, middle school students. Good job with this one, too, Mrs. Schoensee.
Nancy Schoensee died on the day before Thanksgiving. I learned of it this morning in my Record-Eagle, where a full, loving obituary appeared. I thought of watching Mrs. Schoensee at work with all those Central Lake students–thought of how much she had given to them, how much richer their lives will be for having been in her band classes.
I thought of meeting her over at Adams Madams on a slow afternoon. There was time for a little conversation, and she overflowed with enthusiasm for the grown-up community bands that are flourishing all over the North County. It is good, she opined, to make a joyful noise together. She sold me a card, presented me with my complimentary 2011 datebook, and sent me on my way filled with a sense of well-being.
Nancy Schoensee’s life was far too short, and my heart goes out to her grieving family. Her life was also well-lived—her love for music a gift to the whole community.
Good job, Mrs. Schoensee. Thank you.
The memorial service for Nancy Schoensee will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at Mortensen’s in Central Lake. Memorial donations may be directed to the Central Lake Bands or the Northern Michigan Flute Choir. (Full obituary and details here.)
Torch Lake Views 
Sybil
November 26, 2011
A loss not only for her family, but for the children and others whose lives she touched.
Merrie
November 26, 2011
That was a lovely story, Gerry. Nancy was a talented and beautiful person whose passing has left our little community of Central Lake heartbroken. Your words say it perfectly – her life was far too short. May she rest in peace and maintain the first chair in the flute section forever.
P.j. grath
November 26, 2011
Touching tribute, Gerry, for someone who touched so many other lives. As a student in school music programs from 4th grade through high school, I have a strong feeling for people like Mrs. S. Sorry your community and her family and friends lost her, far too soon.
Joss
November 28, 2011
From the photo, it looks like Mrs Schoensee died well before her time. What a loss for future students. Conducting bands and choirs is not easy (I know, I’ve tried it) so I have huge admiration for those people who can do it well. Bringing people together to do anything at all is a feat in itself, but bringing them in on the beat as well, is a small miracle!