‘A mentor and an inspiration’: Knoxville Community Band director retires after 14 years

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Community Band finished their summer concert series Sunday and said farewell to their longtime director Larry Hicks.

“I’ve committed myself for 67 years to the music. It’s going to be strange not having the pressures of performance because I’ve lived that all my life,” said Hicks.

After 14 years of directing and many more playing in KCB, Hicks retired his baton at his last concert.

“I grew up in a time that when you made a commitment you kept a commitment, and I’ve made a commitment to this band, and I have done my best,” he said.

His band said Hicks was an inspiration to many.

“He’s been a mentor and an inspiration,” said trombonist, Richard Vonhatten. “And most of all, and probably most importantly, a really good friend of mine and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing in the band under his direction.”

“He encourages everyone to be better, so not only in, you know, within the entire band, I think just outside of the band,” said a Flute and Piccolo player, Laurie Pollard.

While they have about a month off between the series, they said whoever their future band director will be will have a lot to live up to.

“I hope we can get somebody who’s at least close to as good a director as Larry was,” said Vonhatten.

“There is people here that were in the band before and they left for whatever reasons, and they came to see him tonight. So that’s tells you a lot about who he is and what he’s done for the community,” said Pollard.

With years of experience under his belt, being an active trumpet player and band director since the 7 ^th grade, Hicks said it was time to pass the baton.

“I just can’t say enough about what a wonderful group they are, how much fun it is to work with them. I know I’m going to miss them, but it’s time to go,” said Hicks.

In recognition of his work in the community, the City of Knoxville presented him a proclamation at his last concert declaring July 28, 2024, as “Larry Hicks Day.”

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