Published: April 18, 2008 05:39 pm            

Resting on its laurels

Tradition, legacy paramount to success of annual music festival

It would be difficult to find anyone in the region who hasn’t either participated in or attended at least one of the 75 Tri-State Music Festivals.

It remains popular, organizers say, because it continues to reinvent itself to meet the needs of music students across the area — and because of its long-standing tradition of providing musical opportunities, fun and fellowship.

“The biggest factor in this is ... parents came when they were young. They want their kids to come to Tri-State,” said Tri-State Managing Director C.W. “Junior” Simmons.

Organizers and board members of the annual Tri-State Music Festival work hard each year to make sure the event continues to be known as the premiere school music event of the year.

Just last year, organizers implemented some new traditions. A commemorative souvenir program to celebrate the 75th annual festival was released. The program was a tribute to past managing directors and board members, who Simmons said, work very hard to make the event a success every year.

Two years ago, a dance was implemented and Simmons said it has been a hit. New last year was the pop choir category, in which groups sing pop music without choreography.

Also, a piece was commissioned last year and selected as the finale at the event’s Grand Concert. “Music Across the Plains,” was commissioned by Tri-State for the 75th edition and was premiered at the concert. Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce helped with the cost of commissioning the music, Simmons said. Simmons said last year he hoped the piece would become the traditional closing for Tri-State.

The Grand Concert always features a number of renowned directors, leading the honor bands, choirs, symphonies and other musicians.

Also last year, Simmons coordinated the participation of Irv Wagner, the University of Oklahoma trombone choir leader to try and gather 76 trombones to lead the Tri-State Music Festival Multi-Million Dollar Parade. Simmons said the goal is the same this year for the 76th annual Tri-State Music Festival.

The event brings thousands of students and adult sponsors to Enid. They perform in a number of venues that have donated space for the event all across town. The musicians also bring money, in the form of tax proceeds, the city counts on each year.

This year’s event kicks off April 30 — a Wednesday — and continues through Saturday, May 3.

Simmons said the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of numerous volunteers.

This is Simmons’ last year as managing director. When he took over in 2003, he said he would “lead the charge” for one year. He’ll pass the torch to Debbie Lambert, a former Tri-State participant who has been a part of the Tri-State staff.

Last year, two former Tri-State Music Festival goers participated in the parade. Cinda Siler, formerly known as Cindy, and Phil Jones, both former Enid High School band members, returned to Enid for the 75th annual Tri-State Music Festival Million Dollar Parade.

The two were featured in the 1955 “Holiday for Bands,” a short subject movie about Tri-State Music Festival that was narrated by famed actor Jimmy Stewart.

Like many Tri-State participants, they share a love of music.

“It was an annual great event,” Jones said after last year’s parade. “We remember lots of happy times and the music.”

Siler said: “It was so meaningful to me when I was young.”

Simmons said while Tri-State rests on its laurels of tradition, it’s important for the event to evolve.

“We still carry that image,” Simmons said. “Even though we’re not pulling as many from those states as we use to.”

Simmons said he is proud of the festival because it has a legacy that has been carried for decades.

“We have Tri-State participants all over the United States,” Simmons said. “If you were to say Enid, Oklahoma, they would say that’s where Tri-State is.”

Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College, Advance Food Co. and Continental Resources all offer scholarships to Tri-State performers.

For information about events, log on to www.tristatemusicfestival.com.