After 33 years leading the Music Department at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Stephen Thurlow had an emotional last appearance as its director.
A “Mr. Holland’s Opus” concert was celebrated for Thurlow, who worked with students at Marmion and Rosary High School and also led the Aurora All City Jazz Ensemble.
The 1995 film “Mr. Holland’s Opus” depicted alumni musicians returning for their beloved director’s final concert, and Marmion and Rosary alums returned in a similar way to honor Thurlow.
Band alumni used the words “energetic,” “passionate,” and “family” when describing Thurlow.
“Mr. Thurlow had the amazing ability to engage any student and bring out the best in them,” said Mark Mackeben, a member of Marmion’s graduating class of 2005.
Kate Purl said working with Thurlow was special.
“I was able to play as a professional for many years, and there were very few directors like him,” she said. “If you look at the number of professional musicians who have come out of his program, it’s a real testament to his career here.”
Being at Marmion for 33 years, Thurlow’s roots run deep at the academy.
“I met Mr. Thurlow on his first day here at Marmion,” said Rich Lazarski, of the graduating class of 1986. “He took the band from a good program to a great one. Because of his influence, I made sure my kids were exposed to music as much as possible. It was very important to me during my time here.”
As a one-time leader of the band parents at Marmion and Rosary, Delia Basile had similar memories.
“Mr. Thurlow was always so energetic and made you feel that same way,” she said. “There wasn’t anything you wouldn’t do for him. There was always a way to get things done.”
Marmion Academy Principal Tony Tinerella was a senior band member when Thurlow arrived as the new director in 1983. He remembered the young teacher very well.
“When we met him at the beginning of senior year, we found this young ball of energy filled with passion and music desire,” Tinerella said. “He inspired all of us to be better musicians and persons right from the beginning. Everything he does is high octane and high energy.
“He would bring his young family to rehearsals, and we felt we were part of his family as well,” he said. “He’s one of the most dedicated staff members we have ever had. We are naming a new most dedicated musician award in his honor.”
After Tinerella invited the surprise visitors at Thurlow’s last concert Thursday to be seated with the current students, Thurlow conducted the combined group in playing the school song, and was asked to say a few words.
“I remember one year we had the president of Notre Dame come to speak at commencement,” he said. “Part of his address included the words ‘surround yourself with excellence, and you have nothing to worry about.’ That’s what I did.
“I want to thank the Benedictine community especially. If you listen to them, it keeps you on the straight and narrow and keeps you focused,” he said. “It’s been an incredible family. They’ve shown incredible support over the years, and there’s nothing better than that.”
Seeing many of his former students at the concert was special, he said.
“Thank you to all my students who have come back,” he said. “It’s a real celebration.
“Seeing the grads come back was fantastic,” he said. “To feel the appreciation, but also their friendship.”
He said even though he is retiring, he isn’t finished with music.
“There are no final thoughts as I don’t think there’s finality here,” he said. “There are open windows of opportunity. It might be conducting or writing, and spending more time with my family. I have grandchildren, and was appreciative that they were able to come to the concert.”
Tom Strong is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
