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A memorial service was held Saturday (Feb. 10) at Glenview Community Church for John P. Paynter, 67, director of bands since 1953.
Mr. Paynter died Feb. 4 [1996] in Glenbrook Hospital. A resident of Glenview, he had been admitted to Glenbrook Jan. 23. Mr. Paynter is survived by his wife, Marietta; a son, Bruce; a daughter, Megan Anderson; and four grandchildren.
Mr. Paynter had planned to retire at the end of this year. A special tribute to him had been planned for next fall by the School of Music.
On Jan. 1, Mr. Paynter realized a long-time goal of returning to the Rose Bowl. Forty-seven years earlier, as a Northwestern student and Wildcat Marching Band member, Mr. Paynter announced his engagement to be married and the next day headed for Pasadena as an advance man for the Marching Band.
University President Henry S. Bienen said, "John Paynter will be fondly remembered as a dynamic force in music education and performance. His commitment to musical excellence has been an inspiration for thousands of musicians who learned from him and countless audiences who enjoyed his performances as a conductor, at Northwestern, throughout the United States and overseas."
Bernard J. Dobroski, dean of the School of Music, recalled Mr. Paynter as a musician, educator and friend and remembered "many shining moments" in the band director's career. Dobroski said, "John's friends „ band alums, students, faculty colleagues and fellow musicians „ knew how to let him know that he had made a difference in their lives, and he took quiet pride in that knowledge."
Donald E. Casey, a former student and colleague of Mr. Paynter and now dean of the DePaul University School of Music, said, "In a life that profoundly influenced many diverse aspects of musical education and performance in America, John Paynter has been nothing less than an icon to several generations of musicians and music teachers."
Mr. Paynter was born in Mineral Point, Wis., where he received his early training in music. He enrolled in the School of Music at North- western in 1946 and earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in theory and composition in 1950 and 1951, respectively. He served as acting director of bands in 1950-51 while working toward his master's degree. At age 23, he was appointed to the full-time faculty in 1951 and became director of the marching band, assistant director of bands and instructor of theory. Two years later, he succeeded Glenn Cliffe Bainum as director of bands, becoming the second person to hold this post at Northwestern University.
He also served as professor of conducting, taught courses in conducting and band arranging, and conducted many University musical productions. Mr. Paynter received awards from such distinguished societies as Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Eta Sigma, Tri-M Modern Music Masters, Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, Illinois Music Educators, John Philip Sousa Foundation, the National Band Association, the School Musician, the Instrumentalist and the National Association of Music Clubs.
In 1987, he was chosen as one of the inaugural recipients of the North- western University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award. In 1992, DePaul University awarded him an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.
Mr. Paynter won respect for his leadership in the organizations he served: World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (past president) Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic (president) American Bandmasters Association (past president) National Band Association (co-founder, past president) Music Educators National Conference and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (life member).
He was also a composer and arranger, with more than 400 works to his credit. He lectured and conducted throughout the world.
As conductor since 1956 of the 115-piece Northshore Concert Band, he has been a leader in the community band movement.
Paynter memorial to be held March 8 [1996]
A memorial service will be held for the late John P. Paynter, director of bands, at 4 p.m. March 8 at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road.
That evening a concert celebrating Mr. Paynter s life and work will take place at 7:30 p.m. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 1977 S. Campus Drive, on the Evanston campus.
Originally scheduled as a Symphonic Band/Symphonic Wind Ensemble performance, the concert will now include performances by the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Marching Band, as well as the Northshore Concert Band. The concert is free, but tickets are required. Tickets may be obtained at the Pick-Staiger Box Office.
