Losing its ‘rock’ after decades, what’s the future of Modesto’s cherished MoBand?

Over the years, George Gardner told himself he’d retire as conductor of MoBand when he stopped enjoying it. But things have a way of changing.

“I always said I would retire when it wasn’t fun anymore, but that’s a lie, it’s still fun,” Gardner said Wednesday, the day it was announced he would be stepping down as conductor of the beloved community institution at the end of the coming summer season. “I just think it’s time for a younger person to take over.”

Gardner, 74, said he feels it’s time for fresh ideas.

Those ideas are to come from Brad Hart, 38, who was named band manager and assistant conductor last year. Gardner said Hart will take over full conducting duties for the 2025 season.

This will be Gardner’s 46th season conducting the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County, known in the community as MoBand.

But, he pointed out, 2024 is his 60th year associated with the group. In 1965, he started playing trumpet with MoBand, which is celebrating its 105th season.

The concerts attract thousands each summer to Mancini Bowl at Graceada Park, where people traditionally hold their spots on the lawn surrounding the bowl by putting down blankets early in the day. Many take along picnic dinners to enjoy as the band plays.

Gardner announced his retirement in a Facebook video post. The post says he started playing in high school and became band manager in 1972.

He took over as conductor in 1979.

“It’s been a great run, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I look forward to a great summer as we celebrate this great institution,” Gardner says in the Facebook video.

Does he have any fond memories?

“You know, to be real honest, every time I get to stand in front of the band and conduct, it’s just a thrill for me,” he said. “I enjoy the band, the band members, their love. The music that they’re able to play is just amazing.”

Still, there have been some notable moments, he said, such as when the late Erik Buck Townsend, who founded Townsend Opera players (now known as Opera Modesto), sang with MoBand. Also, when the late Hollywood icon Carol Channing sang with the group.

Channing lived here after she married her high school sweetheart, Modesto resident Harry Kullijian.

In addition, Gardner mentioned a trip to Europe in the 1980s, performing in countries including England, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

That opportunity came from a connection with a men’s choir from Europe that visited Modesto during a U.S. tour, Gardner said. The members stayed in the homes of MoBand members and it led to a trade-off, with MoBand staying in their homes and performing in their cities.

Passing on the baton

Hart, who will succeed Gardner, was no stranger to MoBand when he became manager and assistant conductor. He played with the group after graduating eighth grade, following in the footsteps of his siblings, he said.

He played the trumpet for about 10 years in the band before having to stop for health reasons, and has played some percussion.

So he’s known Gardner for many years and has enjoyed working with him, calling him “very open, very inviting, very informative.”

“Normally, you think of someone being (in a position) so long, they’re going to have their way to do (the job). He’s really open, he loves to have conversations about the past, the present, the future,” Hart said. “He’s really open and endeavors in new things.”

That includes starting MoBand on the Go this past year, with band members available to perform at events in the city. For instance, a 40-piece band played at last year’s Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off, Gardner said.

Hart, who is the instrumental music teacher at Johansen High School, said he’ll be excited to step into the conducting role “probably eventually.”

“Now, I’m excited to get this season rolling,” he said. “It’s another chance to celebrate music with the community.”

Hart said it’s unique to Modesto and the region to have such a popular community band. “You really could not ask for a better audience.”

He called the group a “family ensemble.”

“Its not lonely in that group,” Hart said. “MoBand is really a place for every community band person to come, no matter their experience, no matter their age, and be able to play music with a great group of people and for a very appreciative audience.”

Gardner will be missed

MoBand member Tracy Bondi, who has played saxophone with the group since 2006, called Gardner “the rock of the band.”

“He’s wonderful, I mean he’s supportive, he’s educational, he’s so enthusiastic about the music, the musicians, the audience, the history of the band,” she said. “He’s super supportive of everybody.”

Bondi said Gardner has been working to recruit more high school students to the group and now has been joined by Hart in that endeavor.

“We need the young blood,” she said. “George and Brad have done a good job of bringing in high school kids.”

Bondi said she is sad to see Gardner retire.

“He’s trying to say it’s not that big of a deal, but it is,” she said. “Most of the audience probably doesn’t remember anyone but him. I told him, ‘It is a big deal, people don’t know anyone but you’.”

Olga Weddle, a MoBand clarinet player for seven years, called Gardner “the consummate professional.”

“He’s just the guy. He’s brief and funny, professional and gets the job done,” she said, adding that the job is not easy given the band has just two rehearsals before each of its summer concerts.

“He has a way of making it fun and interesting and quick,” she said. “He has a way of getting people to play that music in that short of time. He is just super organized on his music and his preparation.”

The conductor won’t leave entirely

Gardner said he’ll continue to “have some connection with the band, but I just don’t know what it will be” after his retirement. “I’ll be around in some capacity, maybe just playing my trumpet, I don’t know.

“I’m hoping they’ll ask me to come back and conduct from time to time.”

Hart assured that Gardner will continue to be part of MoBand as emeritus and that the group plans to have him at concerts as often as he wants.

“He might be retiring but he’s not leaving, nor do we want him to leave,” Hart said, calling Gardner “invaluable.”

Weddle, a member of the MoBand board, also said Gardner will be back.

“He’ll be our guy for years to come,” she said. “He’s not leaving us, I love that.”