Percussionist retires from Aurora American Legion band

Submitted by Aurora American Legion Post 84

Percussionist Ron Orland of North Aurora recently retired from the Aurora American Legion Post No. 84 band after playing 50 years.

Orland, a timpanist, played his farewell concert at the band’s season finale July 28 at the Fox Valley Park District’s Prisco Center in Aurora. Band members dedicated the concert to him.

Moved indoors from McCullough Park due to early-morning rains, the 70-member band performed in the park district’s free Concert in the Park series. Band moderator Ron Newman opened the program by welcoming the audience.

He then said, “We would like to recognize someone very special tonight, Ron Orland. He has been with the band since he was in high school at East Aurora.”

Newman announced that Orland, after 50 years as a timpani musician, was retiring after the evening’s concert.

“It’s not possible to list all of Ron’s contributions,” Newman said, “and what he means to this organization. You see him as the proud timpani player and the leader of the percussion section, and the person responsible for transporting the band’s trailer and unloading and reloading before and after each concert.”

According to Newman, Orland was the band’s percussion section leader for decades. He led percussionists both in concerts and marching in “double-digit parades every summer.”

“He is an excellent musician,” Newman said, “and has mentored and coached many, many, fine percussionist through the years.”

Orland’s three sons played in the band, including Steve who served as director.

Newman added that Ron Orland also served on the band board for many years and as band president. And for Memorial Day observances at area cemeteries, he plays the snare drum.

“Thank you, Ron, we will miss you in ways we haven’t even imagined,” Newman concluded.

Standing behind his drums, Orland acknowledged the accolades with a wave.

The band performed under director Don Davaney of Aurora, fine arts department chair at Metea Valley High School. He earned a certificate in educational leadership at Aurora University. Greg Heinsel of Aurora, a band member, was guest director for a piece.