New Reformation Jazz Band

Gary L. Sutton, age 84 of North Branch Michigan, died August 5, 2019. For years, he was a first-call classic jazz trombonist for the New Reformation Jazz Band.

Kenny was born in Scottsburg, Indiana, graduated from Indiana University in music education and later added an MME degree from Michigan State University. For 29 years, he was the Music Director and taught instrumental music at North Branch High School. Kenny’s school bands were among the finest in the Midwest, and he took them to perform from Hawaii to Europe. Kenny and his wife, Lil (Lillian Adams Sutton) operated Sutton Travel, providing trips for school bands all over the country and Europe.

His hobbies included playing Dixieland music with the Dixieland Express, New Reformation Dixieland Band, and numerous other bands. Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family.  He loved reading, especially United States history. He loved to photograph his family and grand-kids.

During his teaching career, he led many bands to District, State and National Championships. Gary initiated a tour program and traveled nationally and internationally with his bands and students. He was a judge for music competitions in the state of Michigan, and he taught music clinics to numerous bands as well. Most importantly, Gary shared his love of music and life lessons as a gift to the many students he taught and the colleagues he played with over the years.  Gary was inducted into the North Branch Community Hall of Fame in 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gary Sutton Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Family will be present for visitation August 9 at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Huron Street, North Branch MI 48461, from 1 to 8 pm.  A second visitation will be August 10 at North Branch High School auditorium, 6600 Brush Street, North Branch MI 48461 from 10-11 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am.