It was an ‘emotional’ farewell after four decades leading Modesto institution

Despite the hot weather, 140 musicians were on stage Thursday evening at Modesto’s Mancini Bowl to perform in the career finale for MoBand conductor George Gardner.

Among them were musicians who came from out of state to return to play with the group, Gardner said.

It was the last concert of MoBand’s 2024 season and a special farewell for Gardner, who has retired after 60 years with the group, the last 46 years as conductor.

“It was emotional,” Gardner said. “In a lot of ways, it felt like (any other) final concert of the year, but it was emotional knowing it was going be the last concert for me.”

Gardner was celebrated at the Graceada Park show and given a gift by the MoBand board of directors and the band: a two-person cruise to anywhere he and his wife decide to go.

A scholarship also was named for him. It’s one of two $500 scholarships the band awards annually to students who have just graduated high school, he said.

“I knew the board of directors were going to make a presentation, but both of them were complete surprises,” Gardner said.

Gardner’s retirement was announced earlier this year. Taking over will be Brad Hart, who was named band manager and assistant conductor last year.

Gardner, 75, will continue to be involved with MoBand in some capacity, whether playing trumpet or helping Hart with some conducting duties.

Gardner praised the band for its performance last night. “Honestly, the band sounded so wonderful.”

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