Music prof is honored for military support

Dr. Tim McGarvey, professor of music at Northwestern College and director of the Symphonic Band, received a Patriot Award from the Employer Support of Guards and Reserve at the ensemble’s concert on Nov. 8.

Rebekah Stofer, a senior French horn player and music major from Camanche, Iowa, nominated McGarvey for the award and presented it to him. Stofer is a member of the 147th Army Band, based in Mitchell, S.D.

“Dr. McGarvey worked really hard to arrange the music department calendar so I wouldn’t have to miss my drills or any Symphonic Band concerts,” said Stofer. “A lot of other students in my Guard band have to miss their school concerts or they have to miss drill for a school event. It’s amazing how supportive he’s been.”

Stofer said McGarvey has also invited a number of military bands to perform at Northwestern and has made it a point to recognize veterans during concerts held near Veterans Day.

McGarvey received a plaque and a lapel pin and is eligible to be considered for the Pro Patria Award, the highest employer military award.

The 147th Army Band meets one weekend a month and two weeks a year to perform for various civilian and military functions throughout South Dakota. The band often performs at Mt. Rushmore and the South Dakota Capitol and has also deployed to Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. Stofer has been part of the ensemble for more than three years.

McGarvey, a member of Northwestern’s music faculty since 1989, is active as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States and abroad, including performances with the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C., the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, and professional ensembles in Ukraine, Venezuela and Mexico. He also serves as the assistant conductor of the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra.