Ken and Ann Bloomquist of Northport have clearly "flunked" retirement.

Ken and Ann Bloomquist brought their love of
music with them when they moved to Northport.

In their professional careers, the two richly talented and respected musicians flourished in their respective careers – he most recently as the director of bands at Michigan State University, and she as a music teacher for 23 years at East Lansing High School.

When the couple retired to Northport in 1994, they just couldn’t, or wouldn’t, say “No” when various musical opportunities came their way.

“We like to be busy,” said Ken, as the couple chats about their “retirement years” from their deck overlooking Lake Michigan at Christmas Cove near Northport.

He spends his time these days directing the Northport Community Band, while he also plays his trumpet in various other bands – including the pit orchestra for the upcoming Northport Community Arts Center (NACC) performance of The Sounds of Music.

He is also a member a the Michigan State University Alumni Band Association, which means his trumpet-playing takes him all over the world to perform with other alums.

“I’ve heard it said that if in retirement, we stop playing (our instruments), then we will stop playing (as in having fun). I think that’s entirely true. I can’t imagine not being involved in music. It’s my life,” said Ken.

The two, undeniable leaders in the field of music in the state of Michigan, have helped the Northport community achieve a reputation for musical excellence. They are both trustees of NACC; Ken is vice president of the board of directors.

Both are quick to compliment friends and neighbors.

“There is such a gold mine of talented people in Leelanau County in theater, music, and art, it’s just incredible,” said Ann.

For over ten years, Ann has led the Northport-based “Village Voices,” a choral group of 60 men and women. She is also director of the nun’s choir in the musical that begins this week, The Sound of Music.

“The choir just keeps getting better and better every year. There is certainly never a lack of a desire to work amongst the choral members. I’m very impressed with how high their standards are,” said Ann.

In fact, Ann tried to get the choir to take a break from January to March, but many in the group kept meeting and practicing through the winter.

“We’ve become a sort of family, and provide an incredible support for each other. The more we practice, the better we get,” said Ann.

It’s become contagious.

“Everyone involved in the arts programs in Northport are volunteers,” said Ann. Two-thirds of the people in the community band and the choir are retired.

Being retired, however, is not a requirement of participation in events or organizations associated with the NACC.

“We welcome people of any age who would like to get involved in music or the arts in the community. There are no try-outs here,” Ken said.

He said that there were many members of the community band hadn’t picked up an instrument in years.
“We have some in the band who have been professional musicians as a career, and others who haven’t played an instrument since high school. All are welcome,” said Ken.

Talent, class, dedication, standards for excellence and service to community, define the Bloomquists.

They have made beautiful music together for more than 50 years, and plan on having many more years ahead.