By Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Medfield community said goodbye to beloved Music Director Doug Olsen at a summer concert at the gazebo outside Medfield Library last Thursday.
Hundreds of former students, parents of students, and members of the community came out to see Doug Olsen off as he takes the next step in his career and joins the Worcester Polytechnic Institute as interim director of jazz bands and instructor of jazz theory and history.
Olsen, who began working at Medfield Schools in 1994, conducted one last concert with the Medfield High School Jazz Band. He was joined by former students who had gone through the music program at Medfield.
Rich Ryder, a resident of Medfield since 1994, saw more people at this event than any of the past events he’s attended, and says it’s a testament to the work Olsen has done.
“Well, the Medfield music program is second to none, and I think he has not only inspired the children of the school system, but also the parents and the entire community,” Ryder said. “I think the music program is such a staple in the town, he’s created a great foundation for future years, and anybody who comes in has got some big shoes to fill.”
Though the weather was slightly overcast, it didn’t stop hundreds from sitting in front of the gazebo on blankets and folding chairs, listening to the resonant music played throughout the evening. The branches of the trees around the lawn were swaying with the breeze, looking almost like they were dancing along to the melodious music below.
Michael O’Leary, a student who had Olsen as a teacher for three years, knows the former Medfield music director will make a big impact on the music program he’s joining.
“He has such a passion for music. He’s devoted his whole life to teaching us music, and I’m really happy he gets to go and do it somewhere else where he’ll make a big difference in the music program,” O’Leary said.
Among the crowd were a few teachers that had the privilege of teaching Olsen music when he was student at Foxborough High School. George Murphy, who had Olsen as a student, also performed on trombone in the final concert and has remained close with Olsen throughout the years.
“People love music and they’re touched by it, and he was able to bring that through his students and into the community,” said Murphy. “Music is a glue, it brings people together. He’s looking forward to another challenge in his life but he’s really gonna miss this community.”
To honor Music Director Olsen, former students presented their teacher with a memory quilt before Medfield Selectmen Gus Murby presented Olsen with a unique honor.
“In recognition of his service to the school children and the town of Medfield in appreciation of his many contributions to the Medfield community,” said Selectman Murby, “we, the Board of Selectmen, do declare June 14th, 2018 to be Doug Olsen Music Day in the town of Medfield.” The announcement was met with raucous applause.
“He just a professional. He knows what he’s doing. He’s irreplaceable, truly. He knows music inside and out,” said Alana Potts, a former student of Olsen and who also performed in the concert.
Among the many honors and accolades, a $500 donation to Medfield Makes Music was made on Olsen’s behalf.
During her address to the people in attendance, Chris McCue Potts, co-president of the Medfield Music Association, stressed the important role teachers play in the music program.
“As you can see tonight the power of music education has the ability to bring people together. This sense of community helps to sooth weary souls, bring a ton of joy to everybody, and make a difference in the lives especially our students. We can only do that with the teachers we have here on the Medfield music program,” she said. “Our teachers are like gold.”
Olsen was clearly moved by the large gathering of people who had come to see the concert.
“I’m blown away,” said a humbled Olsen. “Music is my love, and to be able to make a life and career by sharing my love of music is unbelievable. I’m just so thankful for it and I’m thankful for all the kids and the community.
“I’m looking forward to the music continuing in Medfield because it is such a unique community.”
