Mr. Rogers’ opus
LCI band director heads into retirement on a high note
He’s leaving on a high note. This week’s end-ofterm concert by musicians from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute included the final bow from band director Ken Rogers.
After more than three decades working with students, first in Coaldale and then more than 20 years with Lethbridge School District 51, he’s retiring from the classroom — but certainly not from the city’s music community.
It’s a step he’s been considering for several years, he says . . . and now’s an ideal time.
“Things are going so well,” in LCI’s music program and its counterpart in other schools.
And as for Tuesday’s performance, “I couldn’t have asked for a better concert.
“I’m lucky to be able to end on a great note.”
But Rogers plans to have many more, likely alongside some local musicians he taught over the years.
His next project, working alongside legendary Lethbridge director Fran Rude, is a musical based on the story of the ill-fated Titanic. It’s booked for October, Rogers says, and he’ll serve as music director.
“I’ve worked with Fran for 30 years,” he says, on probably as many shows.
He and his brother Gerald have also played trombone for the Lethbridge Big Band that long, if not more.
“I hope to do a little more playing,” he says. “Now I’ll have time to practise.”
Rogers is also looking forward to more fundraising events with the Five Singing Guys, a group that often varies in size and membership.
But he’s also a member of the Chinook Chamber Singers — scheduled for performances this weekend in Coaldale and Taber.
And Rogers is a soloist occasionally at McKillop United Church, where he’s directed the senior choir for 20 years. “I love working with our choir.” On occasion, the Rogers brothers bring their trombones to augment music during worship at McKillop. Both have sons who play trombone, so members of the congregation have often welcomed the nextgeneration Rogers performers.
“I come from a very musical family.”
Rogers’ sister Margaret is an active musician in Calgary, Rogers says. Their mother, Lilly, played church organ for many years.
“And my dad (Gerald Sr.) sang 60 years in the choir.”
With more time to travel, Rogers says he and his wife plan more trips to Toronto, where their daughter Camille has begun a career in opera.
His retirement will provide time for greater community involvement, Rogers says. He’s also been involved in Alberta Education’s curriculum update, focusing on the fine arts.
Now he’ll also have an opportunity to chart more band arrangements, he predicts, and for short-term sessions as an instrumental clinician.
“And it’s not the end of my doing music with kids,” Rogers maintains — just an end to the routine of rushing from one class or activity to the next.
Even so, he says long-distance trips with his school bands remain highlights of his career.
“It’s a different relationship” that forms, compared with daily interaction in the classroom.
School officials and families worked to support many of those ventures over the years.
“I’m so lucky to have spent 32 years making music with kids,” Rogers says. “And I got paid for that!”
But Lethbridge has so many accomplished musicians, he points out, and now he’ll have more time to perform with them.
“I have lots of good friends in music, and lot of fantastic colleagues.”
And southern Albertans turn out to enjoy their efforts.
“Lethbridge is a great musical community,” Rogers says. “We’re so lucky.”
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