A week-long tribute to John P. Paynter

On May 23, 2021, Northshore Concert Band will air NCB Replay: A Tribute to John P. Paynter, kicking off a week celebrating the life and legacy of John P. Paynter in advance of what would have been his 93rd birthday on May 29. This virtual online concert will feature performances of Mr. Paynter’s favorite works and arrangements by the Northshore Concert Band (NCB). It will be followed by a week of stories, memories, and images chronicling Mr. Paynter’s impact on the lives of countless individuals through his time on the podium at Northwestern University (NU), the leadership of the Northshore Concert Band, and encounters over his lifetime. John P. Paynter was also an accomplished arranger and president of the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the American Bandmasters Association.

The 5-part series A Tribute to John P. Paynter – Memories & Stories will appear throughout the week on the Northshore Concert Band’s blog. Stories and images have been contributed by people he inspired throughout his lifetime, from childhood friends to band festival students to members of the NU marching band to members of the NCB. Memorable and touching, the memories remind us of his humor, generosity, and integrity.

Sprinkled throughout the week on their Facebook channel will be memorable images of Mr. Paynter and special videos including a 1960 video of John Paynter and the Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band documentary and the story of how Ed Swanson became their announcer.

The week-long celebration ends on Saturday, May 29, Paynter’s birthday, with Memories & Stories shared by Mallory Thompson. Thompson is director of bands, professor of music, coordinator of the conducting program, and holds the John W. Beattie Chair of Music at Northwestern University. and has been the Artistic Director of the Northshore Concert Band since 2003.

Founded in 1956, Northshore Concert Band is internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and commitment to music education. The band’s musical leadership is provided by Dr. Mallory Thompson, Artistic Director, and Daniel Farris, Assistant Conductor.