Gene Aulinger, left, is awarded the Lifetime Member Award by Amy Zhao, right, at Monday's city council meeting. (submitted photo/Amy Français)

By Angela Brown

Community contribution

North Battleford resident Gene Aulinger recognized by Saskatchewan Band Association

Jun 27, 2023 | 8:53 AM

North Battleford resident Gene Aulinger was awarded the Lifetime Member Award from the Saskatchewan Band Association during North Battleford city council meeting Monday night.

Amy Zhao, a board member of the Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA), presented him with the honour.

Aulinger previously was named the Best Citizen in the Best of the Best Awards a few years ago for his volunteerism and involvement in community music programs.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan introduced Aulinger as a long-time volunteer and hard worker with the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band.

The Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) is a non-profit dedicated to promoting, developing and supporting band musicians and music around the province. As part of its role, the SBA offers scholarships and recognition awards each year.

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“Today, it’s my pleasure to present our top honour – the Saskatchewan Band Association’s Lifetime Member Award,” Zhao said. “The SBA Lifetime Member Award is only presented to individuals or organizations that have made a truly significant and lasting contribution.”

She said the SBA wanted to show its appreciation to Aulinger for his many years of service to the band community around the province.

Gene Aulinger, centre left, with his Lifetime Member Award at city council Monday. (submitted photo/Amy Français)

“You have been commended by your peers, students, colleagues, teachers, and all of those that have the good fortune to be near you,” Zhao said. “You have done it all – from teaching band students, conducting bands, including the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band, adjudicating festivals, coordinating honour bands, arranging and teaching startup clinics for beginners, working out and coordinating summer band camps, giving private lessons, performing in ensembles yourself, and much more.”

Zhao quoted one of Aulinger’s former Saskatchewan band students, Jason Caslor, now a director of bands for Arizona State University, in a letter of support for Aulinger’s nomination.

“Gene’s commitment to music education in Saskatchewan has been absolute,” the letter said. “The number of musicians that have gone on to successful careers because of his mentorship is truly phenomenal. I know for a fact that I would not be doing what I am doing today if not for Mr. A. Your selfless approach and dedication to inspiring bands and musicians of all ages is a rare, valuable trait.”

Zhao said on behalf of the many individuals he has trained, mentored and supported over the years, the SBA is honoured to present Aulinger with the award.

Gillan also spoke up, adding that on behalf of city council, he wished to congratulate Aulinger on this achievement.

“It’s well deserved,” he said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow