Tree Dedication Honors Long Tenure of Fighting Scot Band Directors

Nancy Ditmer, Ned Brooks, and Thomas Roblee recognized at ceremony on Nov. 18

WOOSTER, Ohio — Longtime College of Wooster Band Director Nancy Ditmer, along with assistants Ned Brooks and Thomas Roblee, were honored for their impact on the music program with the dedication of a tree just outside of Scheide Music Center near Beall Avenue last Thursday (Nov. 18).

Campus horticulturalist Mark Niemczyk carefully placed the 12-foot high sugar maple in the ground during the brief ceremony, which drew an enthusiastic gathering of music students. At full maturity, the tree is expected to reach 70-80 feet in height and 45 inches in diameter.

“It’s an annual tradition for the seniors to present a class gift to the directors, but we wanted to do something special this year,” said Megan Innis, a senior from Whitmore Lake, Mich., and the organizer of the project. “Our directors put in a lot of time and effort, and this tree will serve as a daily reminder for all students — past, present, and future — of their hard work and dedication.

“It’s also symbolic in the sense that just as the tree grows and expands each year, so, too, do the students under the guidance of the directors,” added Innes. “We want them to know how much we appreciate them.”

The three directors have a combined tenure of 44 years. Ditmer came to Wooster in 1984; Brooks joined as an adjunct in 1997 after a long career as a high school director; and Roblee became an adjunct member of the faculty in 2008.

“This is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful things that students have ever done for me,” said Ditmer. “I am proud, as I always have been, to be associated with so many fine band members throughout my 27 years at Wooster. I know that I speak for all three of us in expressing our gratitude, not just for this very kind gesture, but also for all that our band members contribute as musicians and more importantly, as human beings, to the program and to the College.”