It is with sadness and sympathy for his family, colleagues, and former students that we share the news that Kenneth G. Bloomquist passed away Friday, August 6, 2021. Ken was the former Director of the School of Music and Professor at Michigan State University and served on the faculty of the College of Music for 22 years before his retirement in 1993. 

During his tenure, Ken was Director of Bands from 1970–78 and served as the Director of the School of Music from 1978–89, and again Director of Bands from 1989–92. Ken was the driving force that transformed the then Department of Music into the School of Music beginning in 1984.  

A few years ago, Ken and his spouse Ann committed their support to the Billman Music Pavilion with a generous personal gift. The project was near and dear to his heart and one that he worked toward during his time as director of the school. 

“Annie and I feel close to the Billman Music Pavilion project,” Ken said at the time of his gift. “Finally, after all these years, we are proud that we will have the facilities that a College of Music of our caliber deserves. Both Annie and I feel a sense of ‘mission accomplished!’” 

The Bloomquists moved to Michigan from the University of Kansas in 1970 when he was hired as the MSU Director of Bands. As a national leader and innovator in the field, Ken was known for his industrious and enthusiastic mentorship. He grew the reputation of MSU Bands and established a legacy for his predecessors Leonard Falcone and Harry Begian.

Ken’s administrative focus as Chairperson of the Department of Music was centered on transforming the unit from a department to a school. The change was almost immediate after he became department chair in 1978. With the support of music faculty and the university administration, a two-year process ensued and led to the crucial shift, with Bloomquist becoming the first Director of the School of Music in 1984.  

“It seemed to be the correct move at the time and would, in my opinion, upgrade the music performing arts area to a higher level,” Ken had said.  

College of Music Dean James Forger reflected that Ken was a tireless proponent of the importance of the musical arts at MSU. 

“He was unrelenting in his enthusiasm, effectiveness and dedication to a world-class and student-centered experience,” Forger said. “His commitment continued through the Bloomquists’ recent and generous gift to the Billman Pavilion which named the lower-level floor of practice rooms and elevated the student experience immeasurably.” 

Continuing the strong tradition for bands at MSU, the current director of bands recalls the impact of the former director and chair.  

“We have lost a giant!” said Kevin L. Sedatole. “Director of Bands Emeritus Kenneth Bloomquist was a great Spartan. His legacy will always remain through all of his terrific students.” 

An Associate Director of the School of Music and professor of horn in the 1970s, Dale Bartlett was a close colleague of Ken’s. He fondly recalls suggesting Bloomquist’s hire to then director Leonard Falcone, citing his high standards of musicianship. 

“Ken began his tenure at MSU with experience, talent and energy that ‘lit up’ the department,” said Bartlett. “Among his numerous and various accomplishments stood a man of character and compassion, unending love for his family, and a person who knew when to share his joy with others.” 

Ken once said he was “born and raised a trumpet player,” and he continued to perform long into his retirement years in Northport, Michigan. He and his wife Ann were instrumental in creating a performing arts scene in Northport and Leelanau County, where they were the catalyst behind the building of the Northport Community Arts Center.  
 

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More about Kenneth Bloomquist

A native of Iowa, in his youth, Bloomquist chose trumpet as his primary instrument. He attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education degree (1953) and a Master of Music Education degree (1957). He worked as a trumpet instructor at the University of Illinois as a graduate assistant, also teaching public school band part-time. Bloomquist joined the faculty of the University of Kansas in 1958 as the assistant director of bands, a position he held for a decade. In 1968, he became the director of bands at the University of Kansas. 

In 1970, Bloomquist was appointed director of bands at Michigan State University, where he also directed the Spartan Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Band. In 1978, Dr. James Niblock resigned his longtime role as chairperson of the Department of Music and Bloomquist was chosen to replace him. Bloomquist continued as chairperson of the Department of Music from 1978 through 1984, when the Department of Music became the School of Music. From 1984 to 1987, Bloomquist served as the first director of the School of Music. In 1987, he took up his former position of director of bands while continuing as department chairperson. Bloomquist remained as director of bands from 1987 to 1993, until his retirement from MSU. After retiring, Bloomquist was MSU director of bands emeritus and remained active with the MSU Alumni Band. 

Bloomquist’s many professional associations included National Band Association, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and American School Band Directors Association. Among his numerous awards, he was the recipient of the Midwest Clinic’s prestigious medal of honor and was inducted into several halls of fame including the National Band Association. Bloomquist was awarded membership to the American Bandmasters Association in 1973.