Tecumseh Pops Orchestra held its first concert at Tecumseh Civic Auditorium (now Tecumseh Center for the Arts) on May 3, 1981, with performances at 2:30 and 7:30 pm. The enthusiasm of Tecumseh having its very own pops orchestra was exhilarating for those performing and for those attending.

The new Tecumseh auditorium had been open just a few months when Tecumseh Pops took the stage for the first time. Their very first playbill included the following message:
​
The Tecumseh "Pops" Orchestra is proud to be able to perform in our new Civic Auditorium. As a performing arts center, we believe it is one of the finest, and an exciting place to perform.  Without this facility, the orchestra would still be a dream.

The orchestra would like to grow, and has as goals, the purchase, along the way, of some capital assets. These include chairs, music stands, music folders, and some musical instruments, which would facilitate our practice and performances.

To accomplish these goals, the orchestra will be looking to our patrons and benefactors, during the 1981-1982 season, to help more firmly establish our "Pops" orchestra.  

We sincerely hope that you are able to share with us in the excitement of live performance and support our growth as a quality performing ensemble.
 
The dream of Tecumseh Pops was that of none other than Elizabeth Wilson. Elizabeth who grew up in Tecumseh and later returned to Tecumseh after her retirement will forever play an important role in the musical culture of the Tecumseh community. In fact, she served as one of the original Tecumseh Pops Board Members along with:

• Linda Deatrick - French Horn
• Alice Travis - Violin
• Donald Dobrosky - Percussionist 
• Richard Reamsnyder - TPS Music Teacher
• Elaine Reamsnyder - TPS Music Teacher
• Howard Furry - Interested Community Member
• Richard Boyd - Interested Community Member
  
  

Tecumseh Pops was also the dream of Jeanette Mannino Meyer, a Tecumseh teacher since 1971. Having grown up in Tecumseh and with the love of music always being a very important part of her life, Jeanette hoped someday Tecumseh would have a community band or orchestra that would give her the opportunity to play her clarinet once again.  

“I grew up meeting Elizabeth Wilson through my piano teacher, Ardyth Oberlin, ” said Jeanette. “She and others helped encourage my love of music. These ladies were members of the “Tecumseh Music Club” in town, which was also a state affiliated organization. The group and Elizabeth Wilson also created a student club, the Tecumseh Music Makers. We would gather at homes and perform.  We were also given opportunities to perform at local & state festivals in Michigan for ratings.”

Of course, the Music Makers grew up and started their new professions once adults. It was during the construction of the new theater that Jeanette learned that Elizabeth Wilson was working on starting the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra. Through a discussion she had with Richard Reamsnyder, another TPS Music Teacher, Jeanette learned of the date and time of an upcoming meeting.

“I was so excited I just invited myself and showed up,” Jeanette stated. “I never left!”

The Tecumseh Pops Orchestra’s motto is “There is one driving force that brings us all together … and that is the love of music!” Tecumseh Civic Auditorium, now known as Tecumseh Center for the Arts, has been the concert home for the Orchestra since its beginning.

After the first season, Tecumseh Pops Orchestra continued to grow. Not only with the  addition of orchestra members, but with new music stands and chairs as well. Just two years later the Community Chorus was established in 1984. One of their many talented conductors through the years, James Hammann, conducted both the chorus and the orchestra.

During the early years, Tecumseh Pops also sponsored a Suzuki String Program in the hopes of fulfilling Elizabeth’s quest of having a String Program in Tecumseh Public Schools. Several times, these students also performed at the Tecumseh Pops concert.

For roughly the last 35 years of her life, Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson was a steady participant, friend, and supporter of the arts in Tecumseh. Elizabeth was instrumental in the founding of the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and the building of the theater, and she continued to serve on both the Pops and the theater’s board of directors until her death in 2001.

In 1997, at the age of 92, Elizabeth established the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting Music and the Performing Arts.

One of Elizabeth’s brightest dreams was to see a string program established in the Tecumseh Public Schools system. After many years of hard work, in 2003, the Foundation and school system started the new program, Tecumseh Schools Orchestra. Through her foresight and her enduring gift to the community, she has helped fulfill the dream of many in Lenawee County.

“Youth involvement has always been an important part of Tecumseh Pops’ history. Today, Helene Bleecker, Martha Melcher, myself, and other educators who are still part of Tecumseh Pops try to include youth as much as we can,” continued Jeanette. “Prior to strings, other selected wind and brass students were asked to be part of the orchestra.” Jeanette and Helen are also been proud to have performed with their own former students throughout the years.

Tecumseh Pops Scholarships have been awarded over the years for students to attend music camps and colleges where they have performed solos and in ensembles.

“I am also really proud of the conductors that we’ve had throughout the years,” stated Meyer. “Many times, Pops has served as a stepping stone for conductors to move on to bigger and greater things.”

Dr. James Ball of Albion College was the conductor for 17 years. During his tenure he often involved his college students with the orchestra. In addition, past conductors have included TPS music instructors Donna Andre, Kristina MacMullan, Mary Hoffmister, Hannah Sparrow and Greg Smith.

“Another favorite was an Adrian High School Band Director, Howard Stucky,” commented Jeanette. “And we were also blessed with Amy Marr who made the string program come true for TPS in 2003.”

Currently, the Tecumseh Pops Conductor and Music Director is another TPS Music Instructor Joe McInchak. The Community Chorus Conductor is led by Tom Hodgman.
 
Tecumseh Pops Orchestra has welcomed many guest performers to the TCA stage over the past 40 years including JoAnn Cooley’s dance students from Tecumseh Dance Workshop for a Disney themed show, Saline Big Band, Tecumseh United Methodist Bell Choir, Fred Randall playing the typewriter for Leroy Anderson's "Typewriter," and community celebrities like Dr. Carlton Cook, Dr. Alan Snider, Harvey Schmidt, Doug Spade, School Superintendents, THS & Middle School Orchestras, THS Jazz Band, Dance Studios, Vocal, Piano, Instrumental college and professional soloists. Tecumseh Pops Orchestra has welcomed professional musicians like pianist Matt Endall who played Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at the "Celebrate Spring Concert," Ed and Michelle Stuck elegantly dancing to "The Lover's Waltz " and Atticus Summer tap dancing to "Singing in the Rain." Local Pops soloists have also included Amy Marr, Howard Stucky, Bob Miller, Mandy Kruse and more!
 
Over the past 40 years as Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus became more established, the organization started to develop specific seasons and themes while holding two annual concerts each year, the first Sunday in May for their annual spring concert and the first Sunday in December for their annual Holiday concert. Prior to coronavirus, Tecumseh Pops has performed at the theater every year since May 1981. The last concert they held was in December 2019, just before the coronavirus outbreak.
 
“We are definitely missing the opportunity to perform together right now,” stated Jeanette. “I think something that makes us unique in our county is that both the orchestra and the chorus share the stage and usually perform at least once selection together.”
 
Some of the more memorable collaborations include "The Sounds & Soul of the Civil War," Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait," "The Good, The Bad, & The Brassy," featuring Copland's "Billy the Kid Suite," & "An Evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein."
 
Unfortunately, Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus has officially cancelled their May 2021 concert, but they are looking forward to a potential December 2021 concert – as the next opportunity to grace the TCA stage. Until that day comes when we can welcome Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus back to the TCA stage – we hope all of its members stay safe and healthy.
 
Current Board Members:  
Allen Snyder, Chair                                          
Howard Stukey, Vice Chair                                          Members at Large
Sharon Scott, Secretary                                              Heidi Chandler
Jeanette Meyer, Treasurer                                         Robert Miller
Dianne Marsh, Chorus Librarian                     
Susan Armour,  Orchestra Librarian                         Pianist:  Carolyn Dicks
Karen Bunch, Publicity                                              Concert Master: Holly Vetor
Mandy Kruse, Web Master                                                      
Helene Bleecker, Emeritus     

Next up: The Early Years with Lynne Smith                          
                        

It’s been 40 years since Tecumseh Center for the Arts (then Tecumseh Civic Auditorium) opened its doors to the Tecumseh community. The Grand Opening Celebration on February 15, 16 and 17, 1981, included opening remarks by the theater’s first director, Kathryn VanSickle, followed by performances from Tecumseh High School Choir and Symphonic Band led by then Music Director Jimmie Rice. Following an intermission, performances continued with Tecumseh High School Stage Band, Tecumseh Players, and Tecumseh Dance Workshop taking the stage before visiting artist Bill Shustik, a Balladeer, presented Songs and Stories of American Heritage.

For those in attendance, it was the start of something exciting in the Tecumseh community. The beginning of never-ending artistic opportunities.

The first playbill included a message from the theater’s Board of Trustee Chairperson June MacBeth that stated, “Tecumseh area residents have every right to be proud of this magnificent, functional, fully-equipped facility. Because of the vision and generosity of a Michigan Foundation, present and future generations will be enriched by the cultural and entertaining events to be presented here.”

Most of us in the Tecumseh community know the mysterious “Michigan Foundation” mentioned and included in every playbill since as “Anonymous Donor” is that of the Herrick Foundation. Out of love and respect to Ken and Shirley Herrick, we have always honored their request to be anonymous. Like so many that reflect on the “life” of the theater, we know that Ken and Shirley Herrick were instrumental in the development, construction, and continuation of the theater over the past 40 years. It was through their love for the arts and their belief in this community that the theater has continued through today. It is said that Ken’s love for Big Bands is why every season includes either a touring or local Big Band show. In fact, his personal paintings depicting images of the Big Band era can be found in the theater’s lobby still today.  It has also been said that Shirley Herrick’s passion and belief in the youngest community members and involvement of our youth is how Tecumseh Youth Theatre (it is now a separate organization from the theater) came to be. The commitment and dedication to the Tecumseh community by the Herrick family can be seen throughout many of the City's buildings and institutions, and the theater is no different. Today, the auditorium proudly displays the name “Shirley Todd Herrick Theater” in honor and in memory of her love and dedication to the TCA stage and her passion for the arts in our community.  

Of course, the Herricks were just two of many names that come to mind when you think of Tecumseh Center for the Arts. For over 40 years community members, families, local and state foundations, businesses, donors, and arts organizations have supported the theater. It would be incredibly challenging to name them all, but the theater is grateful for the generosity of the Herrick Foundation, Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, Sage Foundation, Stubnitz Foundation, Robideau Foundation, Lenawee Community Foundation, and Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs -- to name a few. Of course the most recent foundations can be found on our website https://www.thetca.org/foundationsupport.html along with our most recent business sponsors (https://www.thetca.org/business-sponsors.html). It’s even more difficult to list every single person who has ever donated to the theater throughout its history but we do our best to include them in playbills and on our website at https://www.thetca.org/individual-donors.html.

The truth is, it’s been 40 plus years since conversations about building a new theater in Tecumseh began. Many of those early conversations have been forgotten. Perhaps, one would only need to dig through the archives of the local newspaper or library archives to get a better picture of who, what, when, where and why.

For staff that continue to work at the theater today, we do so with the purest of intentions to meet the goals and visions set out by those who built it. We work daily to embrace the spirit of the theater that brought the Tecumseh community together. For us, it’s personal. It’s about providing opportunities for artists of all skill sets to perform and display their work, to create an inclusive environment that unites instead of divides, and offers programming that improves the quality of life for each resident.
​
As we continue through the month of February and throughout the rest of 2021, we will continue to publish articles and interviews from those involved in the history of the theater. Currently, TCA staff is working on three different articles focusing on Tecumseh Pops – A Dream Come True, The Early Years and A Technician’s Tale. We also have a goal to start a TCA podcast soon, where we invite individuals involved with the theater over the past four decades and today, to share their memories with all of us. We hope you will follow along as we continue to highlight the TCA stage and the role it plays in the Tecumseh community.  

Next up: Tecumseh Pops – A Dream Come True. An interview with Jeanette Meyer. 

"Welcome to Tecumseh’s Civic Auditorium! (February 15, 1981)

Tecumseh area residents have every right to be proud of this magnificent, functional, fully-equipped facility. Because of the vision and generosity of a Michigan Foundation, present and future generations will be enriched by the cultural and entertaining events to be presented here.

The enthusiasm and interest thus far exemplified by local organizations and individuals is overwhelming. We thank each and every one of you for your contributions and involvement. May we continue to grow together.

Michigan’s motto: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” If you seek an outstanding community, come to Tecumseh. If you seek a respite from your toils, we invite you to join us in the exciting events that will be forthcoming, through the efforts of our capable manager, Kathryn VanSickle.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the program prepared for you. We hope you and your family will join us often as we present diversions for your pleasure and benefit."
 
June M. Macbeth - Board of Trustees, Chairperson

A local Tecumseh family recently donated money to the City of Tecumseh. Tecumseh’s Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, and Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) were all recipients of donations from Rick and Diana Ruhl, in memory of Rick’s parents Harold and Jean Ruhl.

On November 13, 2020, Tecumseh Fire Department received a generous donation from the Ruhl Family to be used toward the purchase of a Lucas Chest Compression Device.  This device is used to perform chest compressions during a cardiac arrest event and delivers consistent compressions, which frees up personnel to perform other functions.  This will be the second chest compression device for the department and will provide Tecumseh Fire Department with a Lucas device on both licensed medical units.  “The members of the fire department would like to thank the Ruhl Family for their generosity in memory of Harold and Jean Ruhl,” stated Tecumseh Fire Chief Joe Tuckey.

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation also received a considerable donation that will make summer afternoons at Cal Zorn Park much easier for families to enjoy. Ruhl, in honor of his parents, donated toward Splash Pad improvements and a bathroom that will be located at the east end of Cal Zorn Recreation Center. The well-used Splash Pad has been in service for 15 years and is need of upgrades including a new water element, more shade and seating, in addition to a small bathroom building. “A bathroom and Splash Pad improvements have been on the ‘dream big’ list and now that is looking more promising because of the Ruhl’s gift,” says Sarah Gilmore, Parks and Recreation Director. “This gift will make it easier for families to spend more time at the park enjoying the Splash Pad instead of searching for shade or trekking across the soccer fields to get to a bathroom,” adds Gilmore.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) was the third department to receive a donation from the Ruhl Family. The funding will be used in several projects at the theater. The first will include upgrades and improvements to the Dressing Rooms complete with art murals, updated furniture and equipment. The second project will go toward the construction of a partially enclosed sound booth at the back of the auditorium, creating a more polished look to the area. “The generosity and support of Tecumseh families like the Ruhl family is truly inspiring,” stated Kelly Jo Gilmore, TCA Director. “The Ruhl Family’s support will make a positive impact on the arts in our entire community for generations to come.”

Tecumseh Center for the Arts has chosen Sous La Ciel to paint the murals inside the TCA Dressing Rooms. Michigan artists Adrienne Pickette and Kellie Bambach will transform the TCA Dressing Rooms into a visual landscape that allows us to peek inside the creative minds of TCA performers. 

The City of Tecumseh is excited to move forward with these projects and is grateful for the contributions of citizens like the Ruhl Family who give back to the Tecumseh community. 

Happy Holidays from the TCA,

December 2020 has finally arrived and what a year it’s been. The theater’s 40th season looks much differently than we had anticipated. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, like you and many other organizations, have seen its ups and downs this year. It’s been a year of stress and worry as well as love and compassion. 

The Arts continue to be an essential component in our community, regardless of the circumstances around us. Many of us find comfort and strength from the Arts whether in the form of music, dance, visual or performing arts. In Tecumseh, we are blessed to be part of a giving and collaborative community. 

Even though the theater has remained closed most of 2020, we have celebrated some shining moments. First, we dreamt big this year, creating and installing the new TCA Street Art Trail. The community-inspired art murals continue to lift our spirits as we hope to expand the art trail in 2021. In addition, we announced plans for the new Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden to be unveiled during the summer of 2021. Finally, we received a donation from a local family to update the dressing rooms and sound booth. We are thrilled to see these projects come to life in the coming months. The theater is also busy working on the boiler and air conditioning units. We spent most of 2020 developing a plan with a Mechanical Engineer. Thanks to grant awards by the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), we hope to begin the project this coming spring.  

Despite these positive steps forward, the theater is still unfortunately closed. Though we have eliminated many expenses due to not having events, we still have the cost of utilities and ongoing maintenance at the theater. This season, we are looking for creative ways to replace lost income from canceled shows. Right now, patrons can purchase an engraved nameplate to be installed on an auditorium seat from now through Christmas. The campaign called “40 Seats in 40 Days” runs from November 16 through Christmas. Seats can be purchased for a discounted price of $100. If interested, please contact us and we will help you select your seat. 

We are also offering a special, limited-edition 40th anniversary ornament this year! Available to the first 25 individuals to donate $100 or more this season, we hope you will love this handmade anniversary ornament, created by local artists Debi Bailey and Gregorio Perez of Quiet Heron Studio, as much as we do. Donations can be made online through our website at www.thetca.org/donations. We hope to mail out all ornaments before Christmas this year. 

The TCA staff hopes to open our doors once again very soon and looks forward to the day we can welcome each of you back to the TCA. Blessings to each of you for a happy and healthy holiday season! 

Cheers, 

Kelly Jo Gilmore
Director | Tecumseh Center for the Arts | kgilmore@tecumseh.mi.us

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is making plans to add more artwork to the outdoor Art / Music / Sculpture Park.

The first phase of the park saw the completion of the TCA Street Art Trail with 33 beautiful, newly painted murals created by artists of all ages and skill levels. Come see the display of community-inspired artwork on our pole barn!

The next phase of the Art / Music / Sculpture Park is The Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden, a memorial tribute to Charles, Hope and Mary Jo Mensing. The sculpture garden will be installed next to the TCA Street Art Trail, with works of art created once again by members of our community!

The TCA is currently seeking artists who are interested in creating sculptures for the new area. Sculptures can be made from a variety of materials and are not limited to a specific theme. However, sculptures cannot be derogatory in nature, or promote discrimination or division. Interested artists should complete the Sculpture Submission Form on our website and submit it to the TCA. Sculptures must be completed and delivered to Tecumseh Center for the Arts by May 1, 2021.

“We were so excited to see the wonderful variety of art that was created for the TCA Street Art Trail,” stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. “I cannot wait to see the imagination of local artists expressed in sculpture.”
​
Interested individuals can email boxoffice@thetca.org or download the Sculpture Submission Form from the theater’s website. 

Looking for something safe to do for Halloween this year? Why not come to Halloween on Wheels? Bring your family on Saturday, October 31st from 12:00-4:00 PM for a drive thru Halloween event through the Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) parking lots! Come in costume and stay safe in your car while enjoying some trick-or-treating and live music hosted by the City of Tecumseh. Themed stations will be run by City of Tecumseh Departments and local businesses.
 
“Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Samantha Cushard, intern at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. “This project has been extremely fun to work on and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the TCA.”
 
The Lenawee County Health Department set out guidelines for celebrating Halloween this year. One of their recommended safe activities was a drive thru Halloween event, and that is exactly what the City of Tecumseh wanted to offer - a fun alternative to traditional door to door trick-or-treating. With themed stations, this is sure to be a fun, safe, family-friendly event!

Economic Development Intern Jessica Polchinski stated, "This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to get event planning experience! I've really enjoyed planning the event, and am excited for Halloween on Wheels." 
 
The full list of stations will be published the week of the event on the Facebook event page - Halloween on Wheels: A Collaborative Drive Thru Halloween Event at the TCA.
 
Are you interested in helping? Consider donating your extra Halloween decorations, pumpkins, and hay bales. Donations can be made October 26th and 28th, Monday and Wednesday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the TCA. The address is 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, MI 49286.
 
This event is a collaboration between Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Economic Development for the City of Tecumseh, and Tecumseh Parks and Recreation.
 
Founded in 1981, Tecumseh Center for the Arts is a vital part of the artistic culture in Tecumseh, Michigan. The TCA is a 572-seat, fully equipped indoor performance facility that provides a wide variety of events that light up the stage. Tecumseh Center for the Arts aims to be a contributing entity of influence toward the creation of artistic direction for the City of Tecumseh through both the performing and visual arts.

***Update: Event date has been changed to Sunday, October 25 at 8 PM EST.***

Before COVID, Drew De Four and his wife, Colleen (also known as Kin Curran) performed thousands of shows all over the world in a variety of formats, most notably their All-Request, Rock ‘n Roll, Dueling Pianos show.

Over the past eight months, they've performed over 100 concerts out of their basement studio for tens of thousands of viewers around the world. Now they are performing for Tecumseh Center for the Arts once again, on Sunday, October 25, 2020 for free!

Drew and Kin are looking forward to performing virtually for the TCA audience as they have had some of their favorite and most memorable live shows at the theater. They will be performing a variety of material, mostly requests from those in attendance on their YouTube Channel. All songs will be aimed at giving everyone a much-needed boost in this precarious time.

“This is a great way for our patrons to interact with one of our more popular entertainers online,” stated Kelly Jo Gilmore. “It also gives the theater a chance to test our online, virtual software so we can begin to move forward with our re-opening plans that will offer both in-person and virtual options.”

Please join us for a fun and interactive musical concert featuring Drew De Four & Kin Curran! This event will be performed live online on Sunday, October 25th, at 8 PM EST. Tips for Drew & Kin are not required, but appreciated: www.drewdefour.com/tipjar. Donations to Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) on the checkout page are also greatly appreciated and will help TCA continue to bring high quality entertainment to your community.
​
Founded in 1981, Tecumseh Center for the Arts is a vital part of the artistic culture in Tecumseh, Michigan. The TCA is a 572-seat, fully equipped indoor performance facility that provides a wide variety of events that light up the stage. Tecumseh Center for the Arts aims to be a contributing entity of influence toward the creation of artistic direction for the City of Tecumseh through both the performing and visual arts.  

Mary Jo Mensing was a dedicated and passionate member of the Tecumseh community throughout her entire lifetime. She was also an avid supporter of the arts, and specifically Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA).  When she passed away in May 2019, Mary Jo wished the arts to remain a vital part of the Tecumseh community, which is why she left a Legacy Gift to the theater.

Mary Jo Mensing’s gift to Tecumseh Center for the Arts will allow the theater to move forward with Phase 2 of the Art | Music | Sculpture Park located on the theater property. The Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden, a memorial tribute to Charles, Hope and Mary Jo Mensing, will be unveiled during the summer of 2021 and will feature landscaping, flower beds, and community created sculptures. An official ribbon cutting is being planned for June 2021.

“Mary Jo Mensing and her parents, Charles Henry and Hope (Hand) Mensing, were contributing members to the theater since its beginning,” stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. “It is incredibly humbling to receive this gift on behalf of the theater and create The Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden in memory of Mary Jo and her parents.”

Tecumseh Center for the Arts is currently working with F & S Landscape Inc. of Tecumseh to create the master plan for the new sculpture garden. The theater is also seeking artists who are interested in creating sculptures, benches, and pieces of art to be displayed in the outdoor sculpture garden.  Anyone interested in creating a sculpture for The Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden should contact TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore at 517.423.6617, email marketing@thetca.org or download the Sculpture Submission Form on the TCA website at www.TheTCA.org.

Founded in 1981, Tecumseh Center for the Arts is a vital part of the artistic culture in Tecumseh, Michigan. The TCA is a 572-seat, fully equipped indoor performance facility that provides a wide variety of events that light up the stage. Tecumseh Center for the Arts aims to be a contributing entity of influence toward the creation of artistic direction for the City of Tecumseh through both the performing and visual arts.