Tyler Sutton, a senior music education major, thought Sunday, November 17, was a day to celebrate his last concert band performance of his academic career before student teaching.
Unfortunately the day did not go quite as planned.
He and his wife, Carolyn, were at home in Washington when the devastating EF4 tornado destroyed their apartment. Fortunately they walked away with only minor injuries, but unfortunately they lost nearly everything, including his French horn.
Janet Tulley, assistant dean for enrollment and student services, alerted the Friends of the Arts to Tyler’s loss. The Friends of the Arts was able to purchase a brand new French horn for Tyler, along with a new mute and mouthpiece. This was made possible through the help of Joe Neisler, professor of French horn; Beth Smith ’99, former music theory faculty; and the Music Shoppe in Normal. James Major, dean of the College of Fine Arts, presented Tyler with the horn on his first day back on campus, December 2.
The Friends of the Arts make such a significant difference in the lives of Fine Arts students with their grants and scholarships. Feel free to be a part of this impact by joining Friends of the Arts by contacting FOA@IllinoisState.edu.
