A message from Dr. Shanley on the passing of Jared Hills, a beloved member of our band family:
We are all mourning the loss of our friend, Jared Hills, who played in the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band for 54 years and also served as chair of the band commission.
The first thing that came to my mind when I heard he had passed was, “That man loved making music and loved this band more than anyone I’ve ever met–and that includes me (someone who very much loves this band).” Even as he was extremely weak from chemotherapy, he made his wife, Carol, drive him to our patriotic concert on July 4 and then also to our concert on July 5 to see Chris Bird (his fellow tuba section member) perform a solo with the band. I spoke with him after both concerts, and in spite of being a few pounds lighter and missing some strands of hair, he still had the same joy I’ve always known him to have while playing in or listening to our band.
He’s a role model for the happiness we should experience when making music, when working, and when living our lives. He and his wife have been some of the most generous people in the history of our city, giving their time and resources to many causes. He leaves shoes that cannot be filled and a legacy that I hope fills his family with pride. I plan to honor Jared by trying to find maximum joy whenever I am fortunate to make music with others.
Sincerely,
Steve Shanley, Conductor
Cedar Rapids Municipal Band
Read Jared’s full obituary here.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 13 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Jared’s funeral will be Friday, July 14, at 11:00 AM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 350 27th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
