Celebrating the Life & Musical Legacy of James Bennett!

UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA, September 25, 2023 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — As a tribute to the passing of a local great bandmaster and longstanding significant contributor to the arts throughout Western PA, a concert by the COMMUNITY BAND SOUTH (CBS) will be presented in memory of James M. Bennett on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. in the Upper St. Clair High School Theater (USCHS).

 

The program will feature some of the musical selections that Jim Bennett loved most: from marches, patriotic selections, and folk songs to modern compositions, with some Dixieland thrown in for good measure. Admission to the concert is free and a reception will be held at its conclusion.

 

CBS Director Max Gonano will share the podium with several guest conductors including Chris Bennett, Jim’s son and fellow musician, James Falvo, college classmate and fellow band director, Samuel R. Hazo, former USC student and nationally renowned composer, Don Pickell, former USC student and current Boyce middle school band director, and Dr. John Seybert, current USC Performing Arts Curriculum Leader and USCHS Director of Bands. In addition, guest speakers will be retired assistant superintendent Dr. Terrence Kushner and current school board director Angela Petersen. Former USC Performing Arts Curriculum Leader and retired music teacher Paul Fox will serve as master of ceremonies.

 

Jim was the former USCHS Director of Bands (1971-2003) and Fine and Performing Arts Curriculum Leader for the Upper St. Clair School District. Serving the community for more than 30 years, he took immense pride in the accomplishments of his students. He often spoke of his good fortune having had the opportunity to share his love of music with literally thousands of students.

 

Jim, together with the late C. Dean Streator, founded CBS to provide an opportunity for musicians to continue their musical pursuits as adults. Most recently on April 21, 2023, Jim was honored at the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (CFUSC) 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration, receiving the CFUSC CommUNITY Outreach Award for serving the Foundation continuously from 1993 to 2019 as trustee and chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Committee.

 

To honor his musical legacy and continue the support of future USCHS graduates choosing a career in music and/or music education, the James Bennett Memorial Scholarship has been established and will be managed by CFUSC. Donations to the fund are encouraged and will be collected at the concert.