THE EMPTY CHAIR
We are a small, close-knit group and we all feel a loss when a member of our band passes away. At the concert following their passing, we setup an extra chair next to the band and we dedicate a song to their memory. This page is devoted to remembering those we have lost.
Marsha Lynne Cross passed away Monday, November 6, 2017. Marsha was a caring person, and during her career with the Slippery Rock School District, she touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of students and staff with whom she graciously interacted. Much of Marsha's life was spent in sharing her God-given talent and love for music. Marsha played the piano and organ for her beloved Wolf Creek Presbyterian Church, was a key member of the ACTS (Adoring Christ Thru Song) Choir and Orchestra, and played in the Mercer Community Band. She was a member of the Harrisville Community Band for 49 years, joining when she was 15 and playing with the band up until the time of her death. Marsha also served as program master and administrator for the band. In our November concert, we dedicated the song, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” to Marsha. Many of the members of the band were longtime friends of Marsha’s and she will be greatly missed.
William "Bill" Elton Martin passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. Bill loved to garden and do yard work, he was always giving out bags of potatoes. He loved to visit with his neighbors and enjoyed the sense of community in Harrisville. He was a member of the Grove City Masonic Lodge 603 and was on the supervisory committee of Grove City Federal Credit Union. Bill was extremely active in his church, Friendship Presbyterian Church, and loved his church family. Bill was a founding member of Harrisville Community Band. He played the trumpet and many other instruments. In our November 2016 concert, we dedicated a song to Bill. Our tribute included a slide-show spanning Bill’s time with us. While Bill had not been an active part of the band for several years, he often attended our concerts and we will missing seeing him.
James “Jim” R. Amon passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 after a 14-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Jim loved playing the trombone and was especially fond of a good Sousa march. Jim played in the Mercer Community Band for many years and was a founding member of the Harrisville Community Band. He played trombone with the band from 1965-2002. During Jim’s battle with Parkinson’s, the band began holding Christmas Concerts for Jim at his nursing home. He enjoyed the music and seeing his fellow musicians. In our April 2013 concert, we dedicated a song to Jim. Jim’s kind spirit and unique sense of humor endeared him to everyone.