William G. Cemer

William Cemer, an accomplished trumpet and violin performer, taught music at Canadian University College for 21 years, retiring in 2001, after 37 years of teaching. A 1964 B.Mus. graduate of Andrews University, he began teaching at La Sierra Academy that year. A year after accepting leadership of the band program in 1968 at Adelphian Academy in Michigan, he completed an M.Mus. at AU. Three years later he moved to Tennessee, where he directed the band program at Collegedale Academy for eight years.

Cemer accepted a position at Canadian Union College, later Canadian University College, in 1980. By the time he arrived at CUC, he had established a reputation for preparing superb bands and brass ensembles noted for their polished and musical playing and for presenting concerts of well-chosen music.

He upheld that reputation as he led brass groups and the college band, the Silverwinds, in concerts on campus and in numerous tours for the next 21 years, a record tenure in band leadership at CUC. During his last five years at the university, he also served as co-chair of the music department with Wendolin Pazitka Munroe.

A thoughtful person with a sense of humor, Cemer enjoyed a wonderful camaraderie with his students and friends. He and his wife, Sharon (McElmurry), now reside in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

ds/2008

Sources: Andrews University alumni magazine, Focus, Fall 2004, 25; Numerous contacts over several years, personal knowledge.