HELENA — For over a century, summer nights in Helena have come with a familiar soundtrack — live music filling memorial park from the Helena State Capital Band. For many in the audience, they’ve also come with a familiar face— and voice.
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At 84 years old, Ron Sager is still taking the stage with the band — more than five decades after he first joined the group in 1969.
“Continuing to be in the band right now is one of my highlights of my life right now,” Sager said.
A Montana native who started playing trumpet at just ten years old, Sager moved to Helena in 1968 and started teaching music. Over the next 28 years, he led band programs in Helena's schools — influencing thousands of students along the way.
“I still have a lot of kids coming up to me that are young adults now that say, ‘Hey, Mr. Sager, you were my band director back when.’”
Even now, his influence is still seen through the next generation.
“He taught my kids when they were in middle school, and he really made them feel good and brought out the best in them,” explained conductor Robert Loveridge.
The band, now made up of 88 volunteer musicians, rehearses one night and performs the next six weeks over the summer. Many of its members are former students of Sager's — including band president Erik Burke.
“I just remember him being the same affable person that he is today,” Burke said, “and helped me get started, and I'll always appreciate that.”
A few weeks ago, the band surprised Sager at its final concert of the summer with the “Spirit of the Band” award, honoring his 57 years of dedication to the group and the community.
“For Ron to do it with such care, grace and love that he's done for this band and this community, just reflects what a great person he is,” Burke said.
Sager has also become the face and voice of the band, serving as emcee and closing each concert by singing “Montana.”
“Music is a lifetime sport, I call it,” Sager said.
Band leaders say the award was meant to recognize more than just longevity. They say Sager represents the heart of what community music is all about — bringing people together across generations, both on and off the stage.
