Indian Valley Community Band to say farewell to director Dick Hart at spring concert

The Indian Valley Community Band was formed in 1986 to create a place where adult musicians could continue to play their band instruments past high school and college. After original director Paul Rossok stepped down in 2010, Dick Hart graciously picked up the baton to lead this multigenerational group of musicians.

The Sheridan, Ill. resident was familiar with directing - he was the choral director for kindergarten to eighth grade at Hinckley and Big Rock from 1956-59, and then was the choral director at Downers Grove North High School for 29 years. After retiring, he opened Hart's Music Store in Sandwich and he played trombone in the Indian Valley Community Band for many years.

Hart has decided to take a much deserved "retirement" and we will be saying "farewell" to him at Indian Valley Community Band's 32nd annual spring concert.

The public is invited to the concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at the historic Opera House, 140 E. Railroad St. in Sandwich. This free, family friendly event will include some favorite pieces that Hart has directed in the past. There also will be a special performance by Hart on his trombone, where he will be joined by the other trombone players in the band - Mark King of Montgomery, Paula Frosch of Sandwich, and Jim Spring of Leland.

Come join Indian Valley Community Band at their 32nd annual spring concert. Refreshments and cake will be served after the musical event as we say thank you and bid goodbye to a special band director and his wife, Cristel!

For more information, contact Deb Kell at (815) 786-6752 or visit the band's Facebook page.