2005 CMCS Music Hall of Fame Inductees

    The Cal-Mum Music Hall of Fame inducted three very deserving candidates on May 18, 2005 during a special presentation made during the High School Band and Choral Concert. Added this year to the CMCS Music Hall of Fame are Marian Guthrie, James Herkimer and John Riggi.

   Marian Guthrie received her B.A. from Buffalo State College and her Masters in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo. She came to Caledonia in September 1950 as a kindergarten teacher and retired in 1991. As a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Guthrie regularly shared her love for music with the children in her classroom. Some days there were marching bands in class and sometimes there was just lots of singing. Many of Mrs. Guthrie’s former students fondly remember the "rhythm band" that she played along with. She strongly believed that music is the universal language that makes school fun for so many. Since her retirement, Mrs. Guthrie has volunteered weekly at St. John’s Home in Rochester as part of their Music Therapy program. She received the 2001 St. John’s Home Volunteer of the Year award. She is also the accompanist for the Genesee Country Harmonic Society and frequently accompanies at Mumford First United Presbyterian Church and at Covington Presbyterian Church.

   James G. Herkimer graduated from Caledonia-Mumford in 1965. While a student, he was a member of both the Grade 6 A band and chorus. He participated in many solo festivals and also played in the All State Band. He began his post high school education at the Eastman School of Music but when his teacher Frederick Fennel left that school and went to the University of Miami, Jim followed him. As an undergraduate, Mr. Herkimer first considered a career in performance. After graduation he played with the Air Force Band from 1970-75 and played at the White House for 3 ½ years. He later became an instrumental music teacher at Avon Central School for a short time but soon returned to performing in various bands such as Bowser and Sha-Na-Na. Mr. Herkimer credits his music teachers at Cal-Mum for having opened many doors of opportunity for him.

   John Riggi graduated from Cal-Mum in 1974. As a student he played trombone in the band and wind ensemble. He was in All County band and the Caledonia Fireman’s Band. Later, he began playing the guitar and discovered the "Blues." He earned two college degrees, one in biology and one in chemistry. He continued his education and earned his MBA from the Simon School at the University of Rochester but continued to perform in many Blues bands in the Western New York area. He spread his love of music to young people by teaching music to students at the Holland Central School.

   Mr. Riggi has appeared since 1996 as the leader of a group called The Cruzin’ Deuces, a Buffalo based Blues band. They have appeared throughout the Buffalo and Rochester area and have twice received the "Listen to Western NY Blues Organization Listener’s Award" as the best Blues band. John has been honored as the Best Male Vocalist and Best Guitarist and won awards for his original compositions, "Why Don’t You Love Laverne" and "She Ain’t 19." The group has recorded and released three CDs.