A Tribute to Michael O'Connor on his passing on June 21, 2019
Michael O’Connor was the driving force behind the Mahone Bay Legion Band since it was formed in 1984. Rumour has it that it all began with some musical instruments that were spirited away from somewhere and mysteriously found their way to the Legion Hall.
Back then, it might well have been called the O’Connor Family Band. There was, Michael, the leader; his son Michael on saxophone; his daughter Kathleen, clarinet; and son Tim on trumpet like his dad; and, in due course, Meghan on vocals and saxophone. The O’ Connor’s were a full-scale orchestra all on their own!
As leader, co-director, player, organizer and Legion Liaison officer, Mike’s goal was always to ensure the band had music to play and a place to play it. If, by accident, someone else were credited with his hard work, it was of no concern. “The important thing the job got done,” he’d say.
Back in the band’s marching-concert days, he made sure guest performers had all the sheet music they needed. If someone played an unfamiliar instrument, a flute or an oboe, he’d spend a great deal of time transposing music even for someone just passing through town. In the last few years, he created "short scores" of most of our swing tunes that the band director uses for rehearsals.
Remembrance Day was very important to Mike (as it was for the band’s founder, the late Phillip Smeltzer, a Second World War merchant mariner and army drill sergeant). Last November 11, at age 79, Michael marched while playing and holding high the heavy brass cymbals --a taxing job for even a strong young man.
Michael O’Connor did it all, as he said, because he loved music, loved teaching music and he loved the group. The feeling was mutual, and to say he will be missed is a significant understatement. Thanks Mike for letting us share your joy of music in a band you did so much to create, develop and ensure its survival through these past thirty-five years.
- Contributed by John Cunningham