Fifth Third Bank Wall of Fame

Abrams grew up in Detroit and worked behind the scenes as a press officer for three record labels, including Motown. He created press for such famed musicians as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Flo Ballard, The Supremes and The Miracles, and is credited with writing Bob Seger’s very first press release.

In 2009, Abrams co-wrote and starred in the musical “Memories of Motown” along with Motown song writer and record producer Mickey Stevenson.

In his 14 years as a resident of Findlay, Abrams authored several books reflecting on his involvement in the national music industry and its correlation to the Civil Rights movement. In 2011, he created “Motown Black & White,” which travels to venues around the globe.

Abrams died in 2015. His philanthropic efforts continue to benefit local agencies including the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hancock Historical Museum, Zonta Club of Findlay, the Hancock County Literacy Coalition, City Mission, Hancock Park District and First Step.

Anders attracted visitors to Findlay from 16 states and three foreign countries through his presentation of the world premiere revival of the musical “REX” at the University of Findlay, as part of the 2002 International Richard Rodgers Centennial Celebration. This city-wide commemoration included the Findlay High School presentation of “Babes in Arms” and “Carousel” by the Findlay Light Opera. The Broadway Concert Series, now called the Donnell Broadway Concert Series, was founded by Anders and continues to bring Broadway performers to Findlay.

Baker spent his formative years in Findlay, Ohio, attending Central Junior High and graduating from Findlay High School in 1993. He was a featured performer in the show choirs Central Edition, award-winning Findlay First Edition and performed in numerous musicals. He has since gone on to work at Wall Street at Salomon Asset Management, Nederlander Production Company of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment and TriStar Films with box office films and A-list clientele.

Baker’s achievements include founding JB Studio in 2007 to develop emerging talent and guided more than 150 artists in all aspects of the entertainment industry, as well as New Renaissance Entertainment to manage a select few multi-hyphenate JB Studio students in 2015. He also received Best Actor for his role in Thank You for Not Smoking, an official entry in the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. Recently, Jonathan’s film, Crown Heights, for which he served as an executive producer, was presented at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and won the Audience Choice Award. The film was then selected by Amazon for global release and distribution.

Cable’s love of marching bands led him to establish the Arlington High School All Brass Marching Band in 1969. He later assisted Dr. Jack Taylor in establishing University of Findlay’s Marching Oiler Brass in 1997. During his time at Arlington, the band played for three Presidents of the United States during their Findlay and Hancock County.

His impressive record of community service includes serving on the University of Findlay’s Board of Governors, Blanchard Valley Center’s Board of Education and Board of Human Rights and Hancock Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors. He is an active member of Curtain Raisers and received their Wall of Fame Award as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Findlay.

Nominator, Dottie Wehrle, shared, “Ron made music fun for students… his career in the art of music and community service speaks volumes for the number of lives he has influenced.”

On the musical stage, Gavin played the leading role on Broadway in “Thoroughly Modern Millie;” “Mary Poppins” in London; “Hair,” both in London and on Broadway; “Book of Mormon,” in London and on Broadway, and more. He is next to perform in “She Loves Me,” in 2016 on Broadway.

On television, Gavin appeared in “Eloise at the Plaza,” and “Eloise at Christmastime,” both co-starring Julie Andrews. He also writes songs and has recorded three original albums.

Among his many achievements, Gavin is the recipient of the Sir Laurence Olivier Award in London for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for “Book of Mormon” (comparable to the Tony Award in the United States). He also received Tony Award nominations for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Hair.”

Attending Findlay schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, Gavin sang in various church choirs from the age of 3 to college age. He was active in Findlay school and vocal groups, musicals and Findlay First Edition performance group. He received his higher education from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Nominator Rosanna Palmer said, “With his many achievements, Gavin maintains a supportive professional demeanor within his career while being the genuinely kind and caring individual he has always been. Most compelling is the recognition for his excellence by the members of his profession.”

Crouse first pursued a career in acting in 1928, but took a job as a publicist for the Theatre Guild and began writing for the stage, his first Broadway credit being in 1931 for “The Gang’s All Here.” Here he worked alongside some of the greatest theatrical minds, including Oscar Hammerstein and Howard Lindsay. It was with theatre veteran, Howard Lindsay, that he spent the greater portion of his career in collaboration. A partnership so successful it is considered to be one of the longest and most successful in Broadway history.

Lindsay and Crouse wrote and produced such well-known plays as “Anything Goes,” “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “The Sound of Music,” among many others. The collaboration of Crouse and Lindsay lasted until 1962, ultimately earning them a Tony achievement award in 1959 for a partnership that outlasted even that of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Among these achievements, Crouse also earned the 1946 Pulitzer Price for Drama for “State of the Union,” a 1960 Tony award for the musical, “The Sound of Music,” and holds the record for the longest-running non-musical in Broadway history, “Life with Father.” Crouse is also a member of the Theatre Hall of Fame.

Nominator Gregory Meyers said, “His theatrical legacy is an enduring one, and Findlay and Hancock County should be proud of the fact that a young boy, who grew up on First St., is responsible for some of the most iconic plays in Broadway history.”

David has played Monsieur Firmin in “Phantom of the Opera” for more than 7,000 performances, for six years on Broadway and 13 years all across America. He played Peron in “Evita” on Broadway more than 1,000 times – more than any other actor – and has appeared in 13 Broadway shows in all.

Reflecting upon his career, David was thrilled to play the same role of The Red Shadow in “The Desert Song,” on Broadway just as he had done at Findlay High School; he credits “Come Summer” on Broadway as most fun, as it was during the production he met his wife of 41 years, Britt Swanson Cryer; and he fondly remembers singing show stopper “Molasses to Rum” in Broadway show “1776.” David felt privileged to work with Leonard Bernstein in his “Mass” and played the lead role of The Celebrant at the Metropolitan Opera House all over the U.S. – more times than any other person.

Cryer is one of the founders of The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, which was moved from its original location in Pittsburgh. He is also a founder of New York’s Mirror Repertory Theatre. As a producer, Cryer teamed with Albert Poland to create national tour “The Fantasticks” and “Now is Time for All Good Men,” which played in a New York theater now known as the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He also directed Bernstein’s “Mass” for the Seattle Opera.

Cryer appeared in movies “New York Stories,” “American Gigolo,” and “Escape from Alcatraz.” On television, he played roles on “Law and Order,” “Dallas,” and “Wonder Woman” (during which he notes he was lassoed by the woman), and appeared in soap operas “Where the Heart Is” and “As the World Turns".

Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty, born and raised in Findlay, began his entertainment career as a drum major for the Findlay High School band.

Following graduation, he went to work at The Ohio Oil Company and later took military leave to volunteer for duty in the U. S. Coast Guard where he served aboard an anti-submarine convoy escort vessel for three years. Following World War II, he graduated from Miami University before returning to Findlay. He was hired by radio station WFIN, where he eventually became sales manager. He also hosted many programs on radio and local TV, including the WFIN morning show 'Coffee Time’ and longstanding Big Band Show.   

He played drums for many years with the 'Moonlighters', a popular dance band. He was also Master of Ceremonies for the Findlay Civic Concert Band and Civic Jazz concerts at Riverside Park for 50 years. In 2004, a section of the park was dedicated in his honor and named Dick Daugherty Plaza.  

A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, he was chief musician and leader of the ninth Naval District Band during his World War II service. In addition to being the vice president of the Findlay Publishing Company, he served as First Presbyterian Church organist for 29 years and provided music for Findlay High School graduation ceremonies for many years.

His volunteer work included the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Music Association, among numerous other civic organizations in Findlay but Dudley is perhaps remembered best for his organization of the Summer Concert Series at Riverside Park for 30 years. The 1940 Works Progress Administration bandshell located there now bears his name in recognition of his passion to bring diverse, live musical events to the Findlay-Hancock County residents every summer.

Watch the 2020 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony with Mr. David A. Hanson HERE

David A. Hanson, born in 1945, received his Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University (’68), his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan ‘(72), and completed 30 hours of additional postgraduate study at BGSU. He also studied at the Brevard Music Center and the Aspen Music School. Mr. Hanson was the Director of the Orchestra Program for the Findlay City Schools, directed the Findlay High School Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Musical Orchestra, and taught grades 4-12 for 35 years before retiring in 2003. He was on the faculty of Heidelberg University for 41 years in addition to having taught at Bluffton University, the University of Findlay, and Bowling Green State University.

Mr. Hanson directed the Findlay High School Symphony Orchestra at the following clinics, conferences, festivals, college and university campuses: Mid-East Instrumental Music Conference (Pittsburgh, Pa. ‘70,’75), Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic (Chicago, Ill. ‘79), Ohio Music Educators Professional Conference (Toledo ‘79, Columbus ‘83, Toledo ‘88, Cleveland ‘91, Columbus ‘95), Bowling Green State University (‘71, ‘79, ‘91), University of Cincinnati (‘74), Bluffton University (‘75), Heidelberg University (‘78), Kent State University (‘82), Miami University (‘93), Ohio State University (‘87, ‘94).

Mr. Hanson served as a guest orchestra director and clinician for music festivals, camps, and school orchestra programs throughout Ohio. He also taught and worked with numerous Bowling Green State University sophomore, junior, and senior music education majors in the College of Musical Arts field experience program.

He wrote eleven teaching-related articles, which were published in professional music educator journals, and he composed 28 musical compositions, two of which were published.

He has performed professionally in numerous ensembles including the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the Lima Symphony, and the Findlay String Quartet, and has served as a paid consultant for the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra Program in Tampa, Florida. Using musical instruments from his collection of 45 world string instruments, Mr. Hanson has presented numerous lecture/performances on the history of string instruments for schools, universities, clubs, and private gatherings.

As an involved member of the Ohio Music Education Association, Mr. Hanson served two terms each as treasurer and chairman of the Northwest Region, chairman of the 35^th and 39^th Annual Northwest Ohio Region Orchestras, and orchestra chair of the 1997 Ohio All State Orchestra. He holds additional memberships in Phi Mu Alpha, professional music fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi, honorary educational society, and Pi Kappa Lambda, national music honor society.

He has been the recipient of the following awards and honors: Findlay Jaycees 1977 "Outstanding Young Educator Award", 1979 Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic “Orchestra Directors' Medal of Honor”, 1991 designation as a Nationally Certified Music Educator by Music Educators National Conference, Ohio String Teachers Association 1995 "Teacher Of The Year" Award, Findlay Rotary Club 1996 “Teacher Golden Apple Award”, Findlay City Schools 1999-2000 “C. Robert Baker Award”, Biographical Listing in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" and “Who’s Who In American Education”. Mr. Hanson became a member of The Presidents Club at Bowling Green State University in 2019.

Aside from his music-related activities, Mr. Hanson has served for many years and continues to serve as President of the Cypress Lake Homeowners Association, has been active in the Findlay Rotary Club Golden Apple Academy, and was involved with butterfly and frog/toad surveys for the Division Of Wildlife of the Ohio Department Of Natural Resources. His hobbies include studying entomology, botany, ornithology, gemology, and world history, and he additionally enjoys photography, bicycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, golfing, and traveling.

Mr. Hanson resides in Findlay, Ohio with his wife of 38 years, Lori.

After touring with the traveling Guys and Dolls troupe, she spent 4 years on TV’s Sid Ceasar’s The Show of Shows, a 90-minute weekly variety show in the 1950s. When Hennigs and her family moved to Findlay, she immediately recognized the need for adult dance lessons. She founded the ETC Dance Studio offering jazz, tap, ballroom, ballet and even yoga.

Hennigs choreographed many of the musicals produced by the Findlay Light Opera Company, University of Findlay, Fort Findlay Playhouse, Findlay City Schools, Carey Schools and regional theaters throughout Northwest Ohio. In December 2001, she was honored by the University of Findlay with the Distinguished Wall of Fame Award through the Curtain Raisers society. With a keen eye for ability and a great talent for choreography, she has been able to bring the joy and expression of dance to the city of Findlay and beyond.

Among his many contributions, Cliff served as coordinator of vocal and instrumental music at Findlay High School, teaching music and conducting the concert and marching bands, as well as the symphony orchestra. Under his direction, the concert band received acclaim at numerous invitational events, and was chosen to be on the Historic Roll of Honor of High School Bands of America. This nationally renowned band was invited to perform at music venues in local colleges and universities, Chicago, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

In the 1950s, Hite organized and became conductor of the Findlay Civic Symphony Orchestra, made up of community members from all walks of life who still wanted to make music. He directed choirs at two churches in Findlay, directed the summer concert series held at Riverside Park, and from 1987 to 1990, directed the Findlay Light Opera Company, among other accomplishments.

He taught summer sessions at The Ohio State University and The University of Kentucky, and served on the faculty of the University of Findlay.

Cliff was on the receiving end of numerous accolades, most notably the national Mack Award, an Honorary Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Findlay, and in 1988 was enshrined into the Ohio Band Directors Conference Hall of Fame.

Marianna was a conscientious and respected teacher. Testimony from alumni over the years indicates the enormous influence she had on her students. It’s not an exaggeration to say she "saved" many students who needed a strong voice to guide them. Marianna modeled creative writing for UF students. For 15 years, she assisted students with the publication of UF’s literary magazine, From the Writers Kitchen. She frequently read her poetry throughout the region and organized and hosted dozens of readings for visiting writers. As a poet, Marianna regularly published poetry in both print and on-line publications.  

Marianna was also a local icon in the greater Findlay fine arts community. When she wasn't working on campus, you could often find her in her studio at the Jones Building in downtown Findlay. She was a prolific photographer who exhibited throughout the area. As the self-proclaimed 'only urban ruins girl' in Findlay, she had an eye for beauty in forgotten and/or abandoned places. Her muse was often the Midwest itself. She once noted, 'The landscape and small towns I’ve encountered come up a great deal in my writing and photography, as do the people and that rural Ohio sensibility in those spaces—I think I see things vanishing, like those houses, and want to hang on to them either in words or visuals… even when things are a bit faded or outdated there’s still a beauty to them.

From Marianna's Dean, Dr. Ron Tulley

Julie Klein has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years in her arts career with Shadowbox Live in Columbus, Ohio. She was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio. She participated in both school and church choirs (First Lutheran Church) beginning at the age of 7. She had her first solo stage performance in the 5th grade “Spring Happening” at Lincoln Elementary performing both a comedic monologue and a vocal. That’s when she got the “bug” to pursue a career in the arts. Excelling in creative writing, she graduated from Findlay high school in 1981and graduated with a BS in Journalism/Public Relations from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.  After working in the corporate world for 6 years she opted to fulfill her dreams and  pursue a career in the arts.

In 1992, Klein joined a small theater troupe, Shadowbox Live in Columbus, Ohio. She was a writer on the troupe’s comedy writing team as well as a metaperformer on stage (singing and acting). She developed a passion for directing as well and in 2017, Klein became the company’s Producing Director, bringing to life more than 10 original productions each year. In addition to being the Producing Director, Klein is still an active metaperformer performing as both actor and singer with the company.

Klein has received two Central Ohio Theatre Roundtable awards for “Excellence in Acting” and “Excellence in Directing”; two Columbus Dispatch Theatre Critics “top acting performances of the year” and a “Best Director of a Musical” award from Broadwayworld Columbus.

Shadowbox Live celebrates its 35^th Anniversary in 2023 and is now the nation’s largest ensemble theater company.

Boasting a professional career of over 40 years, Lavender is an entrepreneur in the music industry playing, conducting, teaching, managing, arranging and writing for a wide variety of performing soloists, groups and institutions.

Whether collaborating or performing his own unique arrangements on stage, Lavender is a regularly welcomed guest with orchestras around the globe. But perhaps is most well known for his 24-year musical direction of world celebrity, Johnny Mathis. He has also spent time directing artists, Glenn Yarbough and Toni Tennille.

More recently, Lavender has been working as an adjunct associate professor at BGSU, a conductor for the Ohio Northern University Symphony Orchestra, a Tiffin University artist in residence, and an adjunct professor of music at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California. He also volunteers his time and talent on local committees and at area music events.

McBride greatly strengthened the arts at Findlay College and was founding chair in 1983 of the Findlay Light Opera Company. The FLOC offered summer music programming for 25 years on the Central Auditorium stage, now the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. The widely-enjoyed performances brought high-quality, fully-staged operetta and musical theater to the Findlay community, drawing large audiences, attracting talented outside performers, and providing opportunity for local talent to perform.

Born in Beaver Falls, Pa., Jack attended the Julliard School of Music for one year and earned a professional diploma in music performance. He held master’s and doctoral degrees in music education from Columbia University and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. Jack shared his extensive musical expertise with the FLOC both on and off the stage, as a performer, chorus master, and adamant promoter.

Dr. McBride served in the Navy during World War II and married wife, Betty McCrory, in 1947. Before coming to Findlay in 1964, he was dean of students at Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio; associate professor at the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio; and a teacher at Rye Country Day School in New York and Bessemer Public Schools in Alabama.

Saundra Jeanne Berry Musser was born in Bluffton, OH, to Dallas Herbert & Frances Miriam (Gilbert) Berry. As an Ohio Certified Music Teacher, she taught in the Findlay City Schools (Adams & Whittier Elementaries and Glenwood Junior High) for 38 years. She also served as a cooperative teacher for students teachers from several Ohio universities for many years. Towards the end of her public school career, Musser served as a Supervisor of Student Teachers (music) for Bowling Green State University (1989-96).

She has been a members of the American Society of Composers. Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), National Education Association (OH chapter, Findlay chapter), Ohio Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference. While teaching, she served on the FCS curriculu committee, in-service committee, staff development committee, Glenwood Junior High advisory committee, and North Central Evaluation Team.

Musser has 32 published vocal music compositons, including: "Music and Kids!" (sung in the Worlds Largest Concert, broadcast on PBS in '86). This piece also was performed at the Ohio Music Educators Assoc convention ('85, '86, '87) and at Constitution Hall (Washington, D.C.)...also "Kids of the U.S.A.!" that opened the '87 World's Largest Concert (aired on PBS) and performed at the '87 OMEA meeting. Several of her choral pieces have been co-written with Lon Beery (sic.), who student taught with Ms. Musser in the '80s.

Nominator and internationally-acclaimed professional organist Joshua Brodbeck shared, “When I took piano lessons from her, she pushed me towards excellence and I think her work ethic helped me to achieve my professional musical goals. …Although she is a trained concert pianist, she also made time to accompany students for Solo and Ensemble contests.

JD Smith got his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Bowling Green State University. He was the choral director at Kenton High School for 18 years before coming to Findlay High School.

From 1984-2006, JD directed the Symphonic and Concert choirs and many of the Findlay High School’s musicals. He established the high school’s first show choir, Findlay First Edition, in 1984. Under his direction, the Symphonic and Concert choirs consistently achieved superior ratings at state contests.

By the fall of 2004, Findlay First Edition had won eighteen national awards from festivals and competitions, including the 2000 Showstopper National Festival in St. Louis and the FAME Show Choir Cup in 2004. FFE claimed “Grand Champion” in eleven states and two countries.

After leaving Findlay High School, Mr. Smith has served on Macomb Community College Show Choir's staff and as director of the Ohio Music Education Association District III Honors choir in January of 2020. He continues to supervise student teachers and mentor graduate students with Bowling Green State University.

In 1988, Sugden met the Dalai Lama during an eight-month trip of drawing and painting, writing and interviewing, photographing and planning, in Tibet and the Himalaya. This trip culminated in a 30-minute PBS film and companion book titled “White Lotus: An Introduction to Tibetan Culture.” In 1991, he brought the Dalai Lama to Findlay.

In 2015, he and wife Carole Elchert secured scholars’ visas to film and interview the activist-artists of Havana, Cuba. The trailer for their resulting film, “Activismo: Art & Dissidence in Cuba,” can be viewed on YouTube, with screening, festival submissions and promotion planned for 2019.

Sugden’s work has been exhibited in over 200 shows throughout the United States and abroad, yet he maintains his studio in downtown Findlay. He has been an art professor at Bluffton University for over three decades, and will step down as chairman of the art department this summer. He is a former member of the University of Findlay’s Art Department.

Sugden teaches artist workshops in prisons, donates artwork to Findlay’s American Red Cross chapter and various other nonprofits, and serves on advisory boards for various local nonprofits. He and Elchert have organized many collegiate cross-cultural trips to foreign countries, and provide scholarships at the Amrit School in Kathmandu.

Following the leadership of Cliff Hite and Ralph Shell, Taylor was asked to take over the Findlay Civic Band in 1988. Formed nearly 70 years ago, the band performs multiple summer concerts at Riverside Park. In 1989, he organized the Flag City Concert Band, which has performed overseas three times and was the principal music support group when Findlay was designated Flag City in 1992. Also a composer, Taylor personally wrote the “Flag City March,” the official band music of the City of Findlay.

Taylor has worked closely with local high school bands and the University of Findlay bands throughout his career and is widely considered an authority on band music and performance. Many of his concerts feature over 100 performers on stage together. He also plays personally for area organizations and churches, along with private events.