Passing the baton

Long-time Civic Band leader steps down

By Jason Arndt
Editor

Chris Peterson, director of the Burlington Kiwanis Civic Band, has served as a key member of the group, which is known for entertaining generations of community members during the summer months at Echo Veterans Memorial Park.

But after guiding nearly 300 shows in a span of 48 years, Peterson officially put down his baton on July 26, when the Kiwanis Civic Band performed its last concert of the summer.

Peterson, who officially passed the baton to long-time member Lisa Werner, joined the group out of college and never imagined conducting the community group for close to five decades.

However, considering the closeness of the group, which is like a family, Peterson said his time as director flew by rapidly.

“We all looked forward to seeing one another every summer and it is a family reunion,” he said. “It has happened really quick when you have fun every summer.”

In addition to active band members, Peterson’s final show also brought former members, including Deb Floyd-Mertins from Racine.

Floyd-Mertins, who played with the group from 1980 through 2000, said she knew she had to come back and play one last session with Peterson directing.

“It was very important to come back,” she said. “I knew I would regret it if I didn’t come back for this last concert.”

Floyd-Mertins said Peterson’s dry sense of humor, and willingness to work with every band member, has been pivotal to the group’s longevity.

“He’s got a great sense of humor, he is very organized. He has done so much for the band,” she said.

Instrumental growth
Margo Kurth, of Lyons, joined around 1988.

At the time, the Burlington Kiwanis Civic Band played at Wehmhoff Square Park, where Kurth played with about 25 other band members.

Since then, Kurth, a board member, has seen the band grow from a little more than two dozen members to as high as 50 on any given weekly show, which is held on Fridays between June and July at Echo Veterans Memorial Park.

Kurth, who said she performed at every single concert, even while recovering from heart surgery, acknowledged Peterson has always been quick-witted with one-liners.

“His humor is really dry,” Kurth said. “He never gets critical if somebody makes a mistake. Even if you are not perfect, that is okay. You can still keep playing.”

Kurth, a board member, said the Civic Band is one of the oldest community bands in Wisconsin with one group member playing for 55 years.

“It’s going to be very tough to not see him up there directing,” she said. “Lisa will do a fantastic job, but it is going to be very hard not to see him up there.”

Journey to Burlington
Peterson, who lives in Mukwonago, graduated from college with a degree in music education and began seeking work.

When the band director post opened, Peterson seized the opportunity, leading the charge since the Gerald Ford Administration.

Outside of music, Peterson took a different career path, joining and eventually owning a Mukwonago-based horticulture business before selling the establishment about four years ago.

Within the last few years, Peterson knew he needed to find a successor, and he has confidence Werner will serve the Kiwanis Civic Band admirably.

“I love doing this, but at some point in time, you look for somebody that is really qualified that can take over the band,” he said. “We have grandkids and want to travel and it is hard to do in the summer when you know you have responsibilities every June and July.”

Passing the baton
Werner, also of Mukwonago, serves as a music educator at a Dousman parochial school.

She isn’t new to the area, graduating from Waterford Union High School before receiving a music education degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before earning a master’s degree.

Werner, whose parents also joined the band, said she grew up with the group and found Peterson was an influential figure in her voyage as a music educator.

“I love music. We joined this band and it has been a part of our life ever since,” said Werner. “(Peterson) was a pivotal part in my journey as a music teacher. I learned a lot from this band and I feel like I am in a good spot.”

Werner also acknowledged Peterson’s witty sense of humor.

The Burlington Kiwanis Civic Band, at random times, surprises Peterson with a rendition of Hogan’s Heroes during concerts.

But Peterson takes it in stride and continues with the show.

“I think we have always enjoyed when we get him on the Hogan’s Heroes thing,” Werner said. “He has high expectations for everybody, but he is always cracking jokes.”

Despite stepping down as director, Peterson said he still plans on participating with the Kiwanis Civic Band, playing a supporting role in the percussion section.