A Tribute to John P. Paynter — Memories & Stories, Part 1
Celebrating the life and legacy of our friend and founder, A Tribute to John P. Paynter chronicles Mr. Paynter’s impact on the lives of countless individuals through his time on the podium at Northwestern University, leadership of the Northshore Concert Band, and encounters over his lifetime.
John Paynter, beers-in-hand, on a European tour with Northshore Concert Band, August 1975.
GORDON A. LONG
“I had the pleasure of John P. Paynter's musical direction for a period of 10 years prior to his death in 1996. John had excellent musical leadership skills and underneath this skill was a unique personality and sense of humor. His humor is my memory today and I describe it as a subtle, dry, sarcastic, quick sense of humor. Many would miss his approach or meaning as it was directed at certain situations that required his response.
“During this period, our rehearsals were held in a grade school music room with hardly enough space and area for a 115-member symphonic band with all members and instruments. Rehearsals were complex and every moment was intense with John Paynter in complete charge.
“This event occurred about 30 minutes into rehearsal with nearly everyone in position for practice at the exact published starting time. Traditionally, anyone late for rehearsal would wait in a hallway until a break in rehearsal. This evening, one member, Donna, was late for rehearsal. Donna, by profession, was affiliated with the Catholic Church or one of its organizations. She always dressed in civilian clothing rather than the ‘habit.’ Donna sat in the third row, directly in the center of the band. Rehearsal was underway with John in great concentration and direction to the ensemble. Donna was late… late… late… Rather than wait for rehearsal break, she entered the rehearsal room, walked past John, and through three rows of seating all the while rehearsal was underway.
“John was in usual form — he let Donna walk all the way through the band, sit down, and arrange her music all the while John was directing the ensemble. John then stopped the rehearsal, placed his baton on his stand, looked directly at Donna and said, ‘Let’s not make it a habit!’ Only John could provide that subtle humor — a direct shot! Half of the band members did not get the message. Nothing was stated thereafter by John. He made his point with humor to all, including Donna, who was not wearing her habit.”
Milo Winter
“John Paynter was guest conducting the South Dakota Black Hills Rushmore Music Camp summer band many years ago. After the first rehearsal of the week-long event, he signed off with the following:
You can take the music folder with you to your cabin, just don’t leave it on the outside doorstep where the rattlesnakes might fornicate on it.
“Needless to say, John had a wonderful week there.”
Northshore Concert Band performing beneath the Eiffel Tower on its European tour — August 1975.
Dawn Shell
“Auditioning for John Paynter was both terrifying and humiliating, yet Mr. Paynter allowed me to become a member of the Northshore Concert Band in the early 1970s. Mr. Paynter could be very expressive while conducting and you could tell from his face if he was happy with the band's performance (and also the opposite). While on a European tour in 1975, the band performed at Kurhsaal, Lucerne, with one of Wagner's homes in view. We played “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Lohengrin [arranged by Paynter’s mentor, Glenn Cliffe Bainum] in what I will always remember as a special magical musical performance. All eyes were on Mr. Paynter, and he was pleased. That performance gave me chills, and I wasn't the only one. It felt like a once in a lifetime, perfect musical moment. Mr. Paynter was a special person, and it was a privilege to play for him.”
For more JPP stories, pictures, and more, follow along with our Tribute to John P. Paynter all week on Northshore Concert Band’s Facebook page.