NBA Mourns the Loss of Colonel Finley Hamilton

Dear Colleagues/Friends in the Band World,

We grieve at our loss of a great man and friend who passed away, our recent NBA President, Colonel Finley Hamilton. Those of us who have known have kept him in our thoughts and prayers since last July when we learned of his illness. We knew him, at that time and until this past week, that he was a fighter. He gave life every chance and kept loved ones and friends hopeful. He was always positive and a caring person. But I reflect better with some thoughts expressed by some who knew Finley better than I.

These are recent posts or reflections that are genuine and true. Carol Doemel, very successful Orchestra Director at Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA, previously played trumpet under Finley’s baton. She wrote to me recently “he was a beautiful soul with an infectious laugh . . .” That seems to be a universal feeling about this great person that we knew and respected.

In a statement to all of us in the NBA, Colonel Thomas H. Palmatier wrote this of Finley: “He was a fine representative of the United States Army and of the music community. People close to him knew him for his old-fashioned, Middle American sensibilities, his passion for excellence in music, his cheerful pursuit of golf, and his appreciation of a good joke. His Soldiers knew him as an honest, even-handed commander.”

I now turn to Finley Hamilton and the NBA. In a statement to the Executive Committee and to the Board of Directors last August just before the Board Leadership Retreat, Finley shared some warm and insightful thoughts about our association. A sampling of highlights are “my hope is that NBA continues to strengthen as an institution . . . to concentrate our efforts to ensure the best service and support to middle and secondary school band programs. I believe that if these programs are robust, the college programs will enjoy good health as well.” I found that statement of course very true, yet I found it most profound that he wished others (programs) good health while he was fighting for his life!

In that communiqué, Finley further stated a grand idea of a possible NBA Foundation that “it is my hope that NBA can continue to experience a healthy evolution as a vibrant, relevant organization.” He continued with “I hope we can weave more integrally into the fabric of American band activities.” His elaborations, qualifications, and vision were enlightening last August and are again today as I compose with a heavy heart.

This sad life situation is unprecedented for our National Band Association. It is tragic that Finley Hamilton could not enjoy the implementations he envisioned for you and me, the National Band Association. I must now “step up to the plate” and get to work for the remainder of this biennium. I must work for two, actually, working for the high values and sincere passion for bands and band music that both Finley and I have. Let’s make our NBA strong, stronger than ever. Be proactive, participatory, and functional. Finley would want that. We need that.

John Culvahouse, President
The National Band Association