Tabor student lends helping hand to high school band
Sports at Hillsboro High School had all the volunteer help it could get. The band on the other hand was a different story.
Director Gregg Walker wasn't exactly turning down people when they asked to help. So six years ago when Tabor College student and music lover Tim Butler asked Walker if he needed a right-hand man, Walker couldn't refuse.
Since then, Butler has been a volunteer helper for Walker, anything from tuning instruments, to helping his band students become better musicians, and just another person to talk to.
"Music is kind of his family," Walker said of Butler.
However, Saturday will be Butler's final day in Hillsboro. After playing with the band in Marion's Old Settlers' Day parade, he will pack up his belongings and move to Oklahoma. He is going there to receive special treatment for cancer.
Butler is a private person Walker said, and doesn't discuss much of his personal life. The band is his family, and the Ohio native finally opened up to Walker not too long ago.
"He doesn't like the attention, but I don't care," Walker said of making his story public. "He deserves to be recognized. He is a generous person in a lot of ways."
Walker is the primary adviser to the band which includes teaching a class, directing performances, and taking care of all the day-to-day operations that keep the band going strong. Butler's help has mainly stemmed from his love of music and generous personality.
"He's there to support the band," Walker said. "The kids love having him around."
But now Butler is not around, and Walker isn't sure if he will ever see him again. He definitely won't forget the young man who made the past six years of band practice and performances better with every visit.
"He has been a tremendous help," Walker said. "There are many things I would not have gotten done without him."
