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COMMERCIALLY -SPEAKING
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The Man Behind The Scenes Gerald Eugene Cottingham was born January 17, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois. His parents are William and Dorothy Cottingham and he has three brothers; Robert, Jack, and Thomas. He attended Peoria Richwoods High School and was a versatile athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, football, and bowling. He lettered in baseball and basketball during his freshman and sophomore years, but in his junior year he was forced to choose between sports and music. Fortunately for us, he chose a career of music over coaching basketball. Mr. Cottingham played clarinet and was first chair all four years of high school. He was a soloist from grade school on throughout life, and his skill eventually earned him scholarships to college. He graduated from Richwoods in June of 1963, and went on to North- east Missouri State Teachers’ College. There he was active in concert band, clarinet choir, and marching band, playing first chair first clarinet every year. He was the personnel director of the clarinet choir from 1963-1967. He also received music scholarships all during his four years in college. During practice, he met his future wife, Gerry Virginia Hill. Gerry also played the clarinet. They married December 22, 1966, and their daughter, Michelle, was born November 29, 1969. Mr. Cottingham graduated in May of 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He achieved his Master's Degree in 1973. His first teaching position was in Browning, Missouri, where he taught junior and senior high choral music as well as band in grades 5-12 for three years. Then he moved to La Grange, Missouri, teaching 5-12 grade band. Two years later, in 1972, he moved to R.O.V.A. where he teaches instrumental music in grades 5-12. His various activities include the R.O.V.A. Jaycees and the Oneida Methodist Church, where he has been the choir director and a youth sponsor; several offices in the R.O.V.A. Education Association; 1974 Executive Commissioner of the University of Illinois Marching Festival; and District Jazz Chairman for the State of Illinois since 1979. Among his honors, he was named to the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1972 and 1976. Mr. Cottingham, known as Mr. “C”, has made quite an effect on the band. The record since he came is quite extensive. But the awards didn’t come easily, nor did they come soon. A year from their first attempt at marching at a football game under his direction the Marching Tigers won first place in parade competition at University of Illinois. Since then, the bands have accumulated an impressive number of awards: 18 first place, 15 second place, and 8 third place trophies, as well as a bronze medal won at the Festival of the Rockies: in Colorado. Being the bands' most avid fan, Mr. “C” doesn’t hesitate to praise “his kids” accomplishments. And he is also a very dedicated teacher. He spends much of his personal time getting ready for rehearsals, performances, and competitions. As his wife, Gerry, says, “Music is his life. 8 By Lisa Reynolds
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