GALESBURG, Ill. — Amanda Snodgrass has a student in the Galesburg High School marching band. She has also become a board member for the Band Boosters which has made her more involved with the behind-the-scenes work for the band. Through her involvement, she quickly realized Tim Patterson is an asset to the program.
“He has done so much for the band. He’s there every parade, every competition. He’s there pulling the trailer, helping with equipment and really I don’t know what the band would do without him," Snodgrass said.
Patterson got involved when his son was in the marching band but has continued to help even after his son graduated about 5 years ago. That's why Snodgrass nominated him for the Pay It Forward award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union.
Patterson has been helping the band for nearly a decade. He is a great second set of hands when needed.
“Kind of whatever needs to be done. Whether its just pulling the trailer, instrument repair, trying to get the kids organized, whatever comes up," Patterson said.
Patterson never participated in a band himself, but he grew to love the environment. Sometimes we spend almost an entire day helping students with parades and competitions.
“Parade would be probably the best part of the day. By the time … get organized in the morning, do the parade, go back, get everything back here and everything back at the shop. Helping the kids out," Patterson said.
Patterson says this chapter of life may be coming to an end as this could be his last year helping the band. Watching hundreds of kids grow up musically over the years is more than the effort he gives.
“The kids I’ve gotten to meet, and you know, over the years. And like I said, you see the talent they’ve had and everything. And see the directors bring out the talent in the kids is really really cool," Patterson said.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for his or her community? News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union would like to help you Pay it Forward to them. Click here to nominate someone you know.
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