Dan Cotner recognized for 74 years with Cape municipal band

It only took Dr. Dan Cotner 74 years to set the record for longest tenure with the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band, a number many say will probably never be duplicated.

Cotner -- also known as "Cape Girardeau's own River City Music Man" by his bandmates -- first joined the band as a trombone player in 1940 when he was 17. Although he was twice called away to serve his country and participated in multiple volunteer dental projects in 11 countries, Cotner always came back to Cape Girardeau and his love of music.

At its weekly performance Wednesday, the band dedicated the night to Cotner and featured songs such as "The Original Dixieland Concerto" and "Colorama," which highlight the many sounds of the trombone. As the band took its mid-show break, Mayor Harry Rediger approached the bandshell and presented Cotner with a proclamation on behalf of the city.

He called Cotner the "foundation of the trombone section," and applauded him for his constant willingness to help others in any musical need.

"For years, Dr. Cotner has played in the orchestras for local schools, always encouraging younger musicians," Rediger said. "He's performed in all but one Notre Dame [Regional High School] musical since 1965. Whenever assistance was needed for a musical event, he could always be found, willing to help."

Dr. Dan Cotner plays his trombone in a Dixieland group with John Beaudean during the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band concert on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Capaha Park bandshell. (Fred Lynch)

The band also presented its "most experienced" trombone player with a photo collage featuring photos of Cotner over the years, with each member's signature written along the sides.

Band director Ronald Nall said he believed Cotner needed to be recognized for his dedication to the band, despite his protests.

"He has the longest tenure ever with the band," Nall said. "Before, a previous member, Homer Gilbert, had the record of 73 years and now Dan has beat him at 74. But he's so humble about it all, he didn't even want to be recognized because he didn't want to take away from what Homer had done."

After receiving the proclamation, Cotner dedicated his entire speech to the audience to the accomplishments of former band members. He said he did not expect to receive such honors.

"It's too much," Cotner said. "Way too much. They overdid themselves."

Cotner said he loved performing with the band and didn't plan to stop anytime soon.

"I'll keep playing another 10 years or so," he said. "Why not? I'm in better health now than I've been in years."

His one request to the audience was to continue attending performances throughout the summer season.

Cotner and the rest of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band perform at 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the Capaha Park bandshell.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.