End of an Era | The Moss Project

End of an Era: Bruce Moss Retires from BGSU

by Jason Sivill

It’s official. The end has come.

At the conclusion of the spring (2024) semester, Bruce Moss will complete his 30th and final year as a Music Education faculty member and Director of Bands at Bowling Green State University. His decision comes after more than a year of discussions with his family, his closest friends and colleagues, as well as a few of his most trusted former students.

This is not a decision I’ve made on a whim. Nearly every aspect of BGSU Bands, as well as my personal situation, has been thoroughly discussed with people I trust. The decision is the right one, at the right time.

Bruce Moss

Dr. Moss's retirement coincides with the 100th anniversary (year) of the BGSU Band Program and an academic year of events aimed at commemorating the 100-year milestone.

Regarding the timing of his decision to retire, and making that decision known, Moss said that he wanted to delay a scenario where the announcement of his retirement might detract from the BGSU Band Program's Centennial celebrations.

I realize news of my retirement will get attention. I have to accept that. I've kept quiet about it to keep our students and alumni focused on the entire program and the occasion of our 100-year anniversary.

Bruce Moss

Dr. Moss said he had no intention of being deceptive, but he intentionally waited until after The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival (Dec. 2023) to make the final decision. The Wheaton Municipal Band, which Dr. Moss leads as Conductor and Music Director, performed at The Midwest Clinic. The summer and fall months were dedicated to preparations for the event. He wanted to see how he felt afterward.

Moss met with the Dean of the College of Musical Arts on January 24th to disclose that he was seriously contemplating retirement, and to express concerns that had been communicated to him (Moss) from BGSU Bands alumni and colleagues about the necessity of a national search for the position, and not merely passing the Director of Bands title on to an existing faculty member in the absence of a legitimate search.

The Final Curtain

The final performance of the BGSU Band Program's first 100 years, and the last concert where Bruce Moss will take the stage as Director of Bands, will occur on Sunday, April 7th, at 3:00 p.m. in Kobacker Hall. Attendees will need to pay admission.

Moss has had little to say about the concert program, only indicating that things are still in development. But, attendees at the April 7 concert can count on three things: the BGSU Wind Symphony will perform their final concert of the year, a newly composed wind band work—dedicated to Dr. Moss in honor of his years at BGSU—will be premiered, and Dr. Moss will be joined on stage by over 100 BGSU Bands alums who will perform together. A surprise at the end of the concert may be in the works as well.

However the concert program shapes up for April 7, it represents the end of an era. Or rather, two.

The Beginning

Moss’s term at BGSU began in 1994 as successor to Mark Kelly.

Bruce Moss with his predecessor, Mark Kelly (BGSU Dir. of Bands, 1966-1994) in Kobacker Hall (1995). (photo: Karen Kelly)

Moss and Kelly had not been well acquainted in the early 1990s. The two crossed paths at the Music Educators National Conference Convention in Cincinnati, OH in 1994. BGSU’s top wind band—under the direction of Kelly—was a featured performing ensemble at the convention. Eastern Illinois University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble—under the direction of Moss—performed at the convention as well. Only months later Moss succeeded Kelly after a rigorous selection process.

Bruce Moss rehearses the BGSU Symphonic Band in 1994 as the new Director of Bands. (Bowling Green State Univeristy, "Monitor Newsletter October 3, 1994" (1994))

At the outset of his time at BGSU, Moss recalls a steep learning curve where thorough preparation for rehearsals was the tip of the iceberg. Adjudicating auditions, teaching courses in the Music Education Department, managing budgets, learning about the Falcon Marching Band and establishing a presence with the FMB, as well as developing relationships with BGSU Bands alums, all swirled together adding to the challenge of his first few years at BGSU. But despite the many challenges, Moss said he never seriously considered leaving. He recalled, "I could see that the band program had a very strong foundation and was filled with great people. I understood the potential."

I could see that the band program had a very strong foundation and was filled with great people. I understood the potential.

Bruce Moss

Former Students Chime In

Moss's retirement from Bowling Green State University constitutes the end of his career as a full-time educator with a regular appointment. That career began in 1976. Thousands of students have experienced his teaching along the way. Three of those former students have contributed to this article.

Ryan Nowlin began undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University in 1996. His experience as a student of Bruce Moss began then. After two years of public school teaching Nowlin returned to BGSU for graduate studies (2002 - 2004) where he studied with Moss in a more concentrated curriculum. Just months ago, at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival in Chicago, Lt. Col. Nowlin became the 29th Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band.

When asked what he views as Dr. Moss's most significant contribution to the BGSU Band Program over his nearly 30 years, Nowlin replied, "In addition to his unparalleled musicianship, he fostered a safe, friendly, productive, and compassionate environment that allowed for all to perform at their best."

When asked about Dr. Moss's most significant lesson to him (Nowlin) as a conductor, he said, "That one's tone and demeanor, when working with musicians of any age, has just as much impact, if not more, than anything said, or any gesture given."

In addition to his unparalleled musicianship, he fostered a safe, friendly, productive, and compasionate environment that allowed for all to perform at their best

Bruce Moss and the Wheaton Municipal Band on stage with Moss's former students, Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin and John Hagstrom at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival. (December, 2023) (photo: Bill Hayward)

He did not teach me to think of myself as a winner. He taught me how to get where I wanted to go. My subsequent professional success started with a sober commitment to keep improving.

John Hagstrom joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in 1996. He's probably best known for his work with the CSO. But before that, he was a member of the "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. Before that, he was a member of the Wheaton Municipal Band. And before that, a student at York Community High School where Bruce Moss was his band director.

Hagstrom's first guest solo trumpet engagement with Moss as conductor occurred in the summer of 1984 with the York High School Summer Concert Band. He's been performing next to Bruce Moss ever since. Look at the concert programs from significant conventions, conferences, and tours where Moss has appeared as a conductor and you stand a good chance of seeing Hagstrom's name.

Recalling lessons from Bruce Moss at York High School, Hagstrom said, "Bruce Moss had a strong influence on me as a high school student because of his high aspirations for himself and for his students. He rejected the idea of taking the York High School Band to state contests because he wanted us to strive toward quality for its own sake and away from trying to 'win.' The most complimentary thing he would say to the band when it played well was 'that’s the idea' and then proceed to work on the next thing needing improvement. Looking back, I can see that I modeled my own internal dialogue after that same mindset. He did not teach me to think of myself as a winner. He taught me how to get where I wanted to go. My subsequent professional success started with a sober commitment to keep improving."

Hagstrom also recalled interactions with Moss that were supportive, but where Moss also challenged him. "He encouraged me at a young age to strive toward becoming a professional trumpet player, but also confronted me several times with the reality that I might never have a job in a full-time orchestra. He literally once said to me when I was a senior, 'what are you going to do someday when you don’t get into the Chicago Symphony?'” Hagstrom concluded that the moments where Moss challenged him caused him to set his mind to being the best he could be, without regard for any specific future accomplishment. In that way, Hagstrom's motivation to grow and develop became intrinic. Hagstrom added, "Perhaps as he intended, those moments forced me to define my aspirations to answer his questions. I told him I wanted to become the best musician I could be, and continue improving, no matter what the outcome of my attempt toward professional employment."

A young Ryan Hourigan, dressed in EIU Panther Marching Band uniform, stands next to his mother and EIU Director of Bands Bruce Moss on a bright fall day at O'Brien Field, Charleston, IL. (photo: Ryan Hourigan)

Dr. Ryan Hourigan, Professor of Music Education and former Director of the School of Music at Ball State University, met Bruce Moss nearly upon arrival at Eastern Illinois University in 1990. It was Hourigan's first year at EIU as an undergraduate student, and Moss's first year as a faculty member. Either as a member of the EIU Panther Marching Band or one of the concert bands, Hourigan had exposure to Moss's teaching every year of his undergraduate education.

Hourigan recalled some of the experiences with Dr. Moss outside of rehearsals and performances. He recalled an instance when the EIU Marching Band traveled to Soldier Field to perform at a Chicago Bears game. "The buses somehow wound up going the wrong way. Dr. Moss got off the bus right there in the middle of Lake Shore Drive! He darted across multiple lanes of traffic, found a police officer and talked the police into stopping traffic, in both directions, so the buses could get to the stadium. We idolized him after that."

Asked what he remembers of Moss that heavily influenced him as an educator and a person, Hourigan credited Moss for demonstrating a willingness to think big. "He exhibited an attitude that was fearless. It showed us that now matter how ambitious a goal might have seemed, it wasn't out of our reach. That made a big impression on me. I adhered to that mentality as the Director of the [Ball State] School of Music and I still approach many endeavors from that point of view."

Dr. Hourigan echoed the statements made by Lt. Col. Nowlin, saying of the environment Moss created in rehearsals, "I cannot remember an instance, in any rehearsal, where the intensity led to harsh criticism or where Dr. Moss ever made his comments personal. It was always about the music and striving for improvement."

I cannot remember an instance, in any rehearsal, where the intensity led to harsh criticism or where Dr. Moss ever made his comments personal. It was always about the music and striving for improvement.

BGSU Career Highlights

There are too many concerts and special performances with guest soloists and conductors to include here. They're all special to Dr. Moss in some way. Several conference performances bring back great memories for him.

OMEA Performances

Moss’s formal introduction to the Ohio music education community came in 1997, less than three years after coming to Bowling Green. He led the BGSU Symphonic Band in performance at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference in Toledo. Moss has since returned to the OMEA Conference to conduct BGSU bands in performance in 2001, and again in 2009.

BGSU Wind Symphony (Bruce Moss, Conductor) at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University (2006)

CBDNA Conference Performance

Particularly special in Moss’s recollections of his BGSU career is the Wind Symphony’s performance at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) North Central Division Conference in 2006. The conference was held at Northwestern University where Moss began his doctoral studies 25 years earlier under the tutelage of John P. Paynter.

The Wind Symphony performed with guest trumpet soloists Allen Vizzutti and John Hagstrom. The North Central Division of CBDNA was comprised of directors of many excellent university band programs. The implications of being selected and performing at the conference, were unmistakable. The quality of the BGSU Wind Symphony had reached a level of performance that warranted selection from among the highest class of ensemble applications. The event represents a high-water mark for Moss over his time with the BGSU Band Program.

Dr. Moss with guest trumpet soloists Allen Vizzutti and John Hagstrom outside Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, CBDNA National Conference (2006).

"It's the people."

Beyond the special performances and the exceptional music making, Moss says it's the people he will remember most.

I've been so fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues at BGSU. The students and alumni have made such an impact on me. It's been a privilege to have a small part in their development as scholars and musicians. But more importantly, as people.

Bruce Moss

One of Dr. Moss's closest colleagues during his time at BGSU was Carol Hayward. Dr. Hayward served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Falcon Marching Band and Athletic Bands from 2003 - 2015. Hayward recently pointed out that at the time the opportunity to apply for the position at BGSU arose, in the spring of 2003, she was happily involved in The Ohio State University's Doctor of Musical Arts Program. She had no intention of leaving before finishing the degree. But at the urging of Richard Blatti and Russel Mikkelson she applied for the BGSU position. It was the only job for which she applied. She recalled, "It was the possibility of working with Bruce Moss that ultimately led me to apply." The two spent 12 years working together in what was the last teaching position Hayward held before retiring.

Dr. Moss supported me in every way. I learned the ropes of academia from him, and I'm very proud of all that we accomplished together.

Over 30 years at BGSU, Moss's list of colleagues and students, past and present, has become enormous. And BGSU is only one of the institutions of which Moss has been a part, each with its own list of people to remember. The names sometimes escape him, and peoples' changes in appearance over time can cause a strain on his memory. But it all comes back pretty fast with a reminder. (Often from his wife, Kathy.)

When asked about the things he'll miss the most about BGSU, the answer was largely the same. It's the people. Working with the new and returning students each semester has been rewarding for him. And he looks forward to BGSU's homecoming festivities each year, in particular because of the involvement of the BGSU Band Alumni Society, and the Alumni Falcon Marching Band members who rehearse and perform with the current students in the Falcon Marching Band.

"It's a great occasion for me to reconnect with people. To see how they're doing and what they've been up to. Sometimes the changes are amazing!"

Bruce Moss with Lisa Baker (1962-2024) and a group of Falcon Marching Band alums, all of whom were high school band students of Baker at Shelby High School (OH). BGSU Homecoming, 2021. (photo: Dawn Borg)

Outro

The content provided by Ryan Nowlin, John Hagstrom, Ryan Hourigan, and Carol Hayward—each having known Moss for decades—has provided some insight into his strengths and values as a musician and educator. His manner is not that of a dictator or task master. He's not harsh. He creates rehearsal and classroom environments where his students feel an obligation to put their best forward as a contribution to the group. As Ryan Nowlin said - "Music is collaborative. Dr. Moss' respectful and friendly nature invites that collaboration."

Music is collaborative. Dr. Moss's respectful and friendly nature invites that collaboration.

Where the article may fall short is in conveying the reason Dr. Moss does what he does. Where his motivation lies. At the time he took interest in the lives of the former students included in this piece, they weren't accomplished. They had no certainty of ever being accomplished. At least in any way that might benefit Moss. The same is likely true of the legions of former students who, as young people, had/have little to offer to Dr. Moss. For nearly 50 years he's given the best of himself to his students, with little thought or concern for potential benefits in return. Just because that's what he felt was right.

His focus included all students. Not just a select few.

The views included in this article, and those of the many colleagues and former students who have spoken about Dr. Moss, but whose contributions could not be included individually, paint a composite picture through their words. One of a musician, conductor, and teacher who values people even more than the immense value he places on music and on the educational experiences of his students. Whether their Bruce Moss experiences resembled the supportive-but-challenging variety described by John Hagstrom, or the more critical type for, say, an approach to conducing or rehearsing (I hope it wasn’t just me.) or even a few extra minutes spent in conversation at the rehearsal field, after a concert, or in the hallway, Dr. Moss’s concern in those moments was not for himself. There's an endearing effect from being the recipient of that kind of selflessness. One that makes people want to stay in contact, even if infrequently, as a way of acknowledging what was given to them.

The word is - genuine. The real thing.

You asked why I have returned so many times to perform with him again and again over the last 40 years, as a member of the Wheaton Municipal Band, as a member of the Marine Band, and now as a Chicago Symphony Orchestra member. I do it because he’s a good musician who is improving for improvement's sake. He’s not trying to win, and he’s not afraid to cry. I love him, and playing music together is the most meaningful way I have found to say 'thank you for what you gave me when I needed it most.'

Special thanks to Rachel Wood for article contributions and editing.

Sivill is a 2004 graduate of Bowling Green State University (MM). He holds a PhD in Music Education with cognates in Educational Psychology and Wind Conducting.

Throughout the article, terms like "band alums" and "BGSU Bands alumni" occur with some frequency. Nobody actually graduates from a band or band program. The terms relate to BGSU graduates who were part of the BGSU Band Program as students.

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