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Tam Easterwood “Celebration of Life”

To be held January 31 at Centre

A "Celebration of Life” honoring the late Tam Easterwood will be held January 31, at 7 p.m., at the Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Easterwood, who was East Coweta High School’s band director - died in 1993, at the age of 36. During his 11 years as director of the ECHS band, Easterwood built the program from a membership of less than 50 to a 200 piece "monster" competitive unit.

Monday’s ceremony is free and the public is invited. Easterwood's parents, Polly and Felton Easterwood, are to attend; and organizers are inviting Easterwood's friends, colleagues and former students to be there as well when a commemorative plaque is placed in the Performing Arts Center honoring Easterwood's commitment to music education in Coweta County.

Northgate High School Band Director Alan Armstrong and other organizers are collecting photos, stories and other memories of Mr. Easterwood in preparation for the event. Those who wish to contribute can email Mr. Armstrong at remembertam@yahoo.com.

Under Easterwood’s direction, the ECHS Marching Indians had a string of 14 straight "Grand Championship" awards in marching competition. They had marched once at the Lord Mayors New Years Parade in London and twice at the Macy's parade in New York.

At his funeral, held in his home town of Holly Pond, AL (population approximately 600 at that time) there were over 1000 mourners, including his entire marching band who performed at the service.

“In the 10 years since his passing, his influence has continued to be felt in the lives of thousands of his friends, colleagues and most definitely his students,” said Armstrong.

“His parents are traveling over to be with us and we are inviting all his friends, family, colleagues and most certainly, his former students to join us in celebrating the life, times and accomplishments of this amazing man,” said Armstrong. “It will be held in the new Performing Arts Center here in Newnan, Georgia, a facility that Tam fought hard to see built in this area.”

Armstrong's wife, Ginger, served in Easterwood's Spirit of Atlanta color guards and now teaches the Northgate visual ensemble. The Armstrongs are working with Newnan High band director John Erdogan and E.C. band director Robert Owens -- also a former Easterwood student -- to collect the memorabilia of Easterwood that will be displayed during the Jan. 31 event.