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Boise State mourns the loss of beloved band director
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If you have ever been to a Broncos football game you likely noticed the enthusiastic leader directing the sound that defined the game day experience.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, David Wells,” Martin Schimpf, the dean of the College of Arts and Science at Boise State University, said. Former director of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band, David A. Wells, passed away Sunday from complications due to cancer.
Wells had recently retired from the university after contributing over 23 years of his life to the music department. He was also involved around the community by putting on various clinics and workshops, as well as founding and working with the Idaho High School All Star Marching Band. Because of his work around the area, students from all over the country were attracted to Boise State’s music program.
The former director was well-known for his ability to interact with his students on a personal level, getting to know them and their families in a way most professors cannot.
“The welfare of students was always his first priority, and for this he was loved by students and their parents across the Treasure Valley,” Schimpf said.
Outside of Boise, some of his more prestigious notes come from production of the NFL/AFL Pro Bowl, the Holiday Bowl, and the Hall of Fame Bowl. He also organized and directed the musical performance that was shown at the 36th annual Fiesta Bowl in 2007.
“I am proud and grateful for the manner in which he and his students represented Boise State in national venues on a regular basis,” Boise State president Bob Kustra said.
Wells could always be recognized at any band event by the orange-stringed whistle he consistently wore around his neck and the warm, enthusiastic smile.
“His influence in this circle will be felt for years to come.” Kustra said. “He was truly loved by those with whom he worked, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and former students.”
Lacey VanderBoegh, 22, worked very closely with Wells as a drum major for the Blue Thunder marching band. After knowing him for over 15 years, she had plenty of beautiful things to say about this life-changing professor.
“I don’t know how he could make people believe in themselves so much, but he had such a charismatic quality that made everyone want to succeed,” VanderBoegh said. “He always had so much faith in me, and all of his students, that somehow we all felt like we could conquer the world.”
The viewing will be held Thursday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Summers Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 8 at 1 p.m. at Boise’s First Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies.
Wells will be deeply missed by many. He is truly a legend at Boise State, and will be remembered for all of the amazing things he has done and people he has touched.
SILVER HENRY
Arbiter Journalist
