[Image of the Rockford East High School Marching Band
Courtesy of the private family collection of Katy Bueschel and Tom Bueschel]


[Image of the Rockford East High School Marching Band with Band Director Gordon Bueschel in the foreground
Courtesy of the private family collection of Katy Bueschel and Tom Bueschel]


[Rockford East High School Band
Band Director Gordon Bueschel is standing on the right side of the white backdrop.
Courtesy of the private family collection of Katy Bueschel and Tom Bueschel
Year uncertain]



Like John T. Haight, Band Director Gordon Bueschel's family members became involved in the bands and he left lasting memories in his students. Two of Haight's sons played in the bands and three generations of Bueschels participated in the bands. Director Gordon Bueschel's sons Bruce and Tom both played in the bands and Tom's daughter, Katy, also participated. The memories that Gordon Bueschel left on his students became evident when talking with the late director's daughter-in-law, Dr. Ellen Bueschel, married to Reverend Bruce Bueschel.

Interview with Dr. Ellen Bueschel,
Deputy Superintendent, Rockford Public Schools
June 3, 1999

Former students of Gordon "Gordy" Bueschel remembered him even long after his retirement. His wife, Ruby, also taught school, possibly seventh grade, but she was not a musician. Fire fighters once had to stop by Gordy and Ruby's house to check to make sure there was no longer a fire, and it turned out that some of them were his former students. They ended up staying at the house talking to Gordy for a half an hour. Later, when it was time that Gordy be moved into a nursing home, the family called one home and it turned out the receptionist was a former band student. Upon discovering that Gordon Bueschel's family was on the telephone, the receptionist said, "Please tell him I still play the tuba." Ellen Bueschel remembers that at Gordy's funeral, one woman drove four hours to attend and she said that he was responsible for her becoming a professional musician. Bands were so important to Gordon Bueschel's life that Ellen Bueschel believes he was buried wearing one of his band uniforms.







Copyright 1999 Rockford Public Schools. All Rights Reserved. All images are the property of the Rockford Public Schools and may be used only with permission.