March 21, 2011

Larry Reynolds Memorial Benefit Concert planned

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Three music fraternities at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are keeping alive the memory of Larry Reynolds and his devotion to the School of Music.

Sigma Alpha Iota, Mu Phi Epsilon and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia host the fourth annual Larry Reynolds Memorial Benefit Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, in the Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall. The concert includes both vocal and instrumental performances.

Reynolds was the piano technician for the School of Music. He also tuned pianos for churches, schools and private individuals in the area for 38 years, until his death in 2008. Reynolds was a musician in his own right, particularly on banjo playing bluegrass.

Michael Eldridge, a senior from West Frankfort and a member of the SIUC Concert Choir, is coordinator for the event. He said proceeds from the memorial concert provide summer music camp scholarships for Southern Illinois high school students.

“Mr. Reynolds was that type of person we all wanted to be,” Eldridge said. “He was professional, he loved students, he loved music, and most importantly, he loved is work… Mr. Reynolds was always personable and knowledgeable, gladly sharing his knowledge and love for music.”

Eldridge said that he and other student musicians remember the importance of summer music camps during their own high school careers.

“We are happy to help provide scholarships in honor of such a loved and remembered friend,” he said.

The ticket price for this concert is a donation to the memorial scholarship.