On July 2, 2025, the Ferris Community Summer Band held its final concert of the season at the picturesque Hemlock Park Bandshell in Big Rapids, Michigan. This concert was a special occasion for many reasons, but perhaps most notably, it marked the retirement of Dr. Richard Scott Cohen, the beloved music director at Ferris State University, after an impressive 23-year tenure. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the band’s legacy, and his departure marks the end of an era for the community.
A Celebration of Community and Music
The Ferris Community Summer Band, a staple of the Big Rapids cultural scene for nearly six decades, offered an evening filled with heartfelt music and memories. The final concert of the season was free and open to the public, ensuring that the event remained accessible to the entire community. As the sun began to set over the bandshell, local residents, families, and music lovers gathered to experience the magic of live music. The concert began with a moving tribute to Dr. Cohen, who had played a pivotal role in making the Ferris Community Summer Band an enduring institution.
Patriotic Salute and Iconic Pieces
The concert’s program included an array of musical genres, but its centerpiece was a patriotic tribute to the United States’ 249th year of independence. The audience was treated to classic military marches by John Philip Sousa, whose music has long been a hallmark of American patriotic celebrations. Among the highlights was the stirring “Stars and Stripes Forever”, which brought the crowd to its feet in a standing ovation. The concert also featured a musical salute to the Armed Forces, where veterans in the audience were honored with renditions of their respective military anthems.
In addition to the traditional brass and wind ensemble performances, vocalist Micah Taylor brought an additional layer of warmth to the performance with a selection of heartfelt songs that paid homage to America’s resilience and unity. Clarinetist Jamie McLeod and piccolo player Susan Gould added their brilliant solos, showcasing the depth and skill of the band’s musicianship. Guest conductor Dale Skornia led several pieces, injecting his own style into the evening’s performance.
The Retirement of Dr. Richard Scott Cohen
Dr. Cohen’s retirement marked a bittersweet moment for the band and the community. Over the years, his passion for music and commitment to arts education transformed the Ferris Community Summer Band into an ensemble known for its musical excellence and dedication to community engagement. His tenure saw the expansion of the band’s repertoire and the addition of more performances, which drew diverse audiences from all walks of life.
His leadership will be sorely missed, but his influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the band’s future performances and the lives of those he mentored.
A Farewell to Remember
As the concert came to a close, the audience shared in the joy of the evening and the memories created over Dr. Cohen’s 23 years of service. For the residents of Big Rapids, the Ferris Community Summer Band’s final concert was a fitting celebration of both music and the unbreakable bond between an artist and their community. As the crowd dispersed into the warm summer evening, there was no doubt that Dr. Cohen’s legacy would live on in the hearts of all who had experienced his work firsthand.
