MARQUETTE, MI— The following is a press release from TV6:
WLUC has announced that Dr. Stephen Grugin will be honored as the 2025 recipient of the annual Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award.
Grugin, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky and a longtime resident of Marquette, has dedicated nearly five decades to music education, performance, and community service throughout the Upper Peninsula and beyond. His career has spanned multiple institutions and countless musical endeavors that have enriched the cultural fabric of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
After receiving his foundational musical training in the Franklin County Public Schools' band program, when he performed in the Kentucky All-State Band on trombone for three years, Grugin went on to earn bachelor's degrees in both Music Education and Jazz Studies from Ohio State University. While there, he performed at international jazz festivals in Montreaux, Switzerland and Nice, France, and participated in the Walt Disney World All-American College Band. He earned a Master of Music degree in Band Conducting from Northwestern University and a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University.
Grugin's most significant professional impact came through his 27 years as Director of Bands at Northern Michigan University, where he directed the Wildcat Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Pep Band. His dedication to music education also extended to teaching positions at Western Michigan University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Western Kentucky University, Talawanda High School in Ohio, and as an instructor at the prestigious Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for eight summers.
Since moving to Marquette in 1997, Grugin has been instrumental in cultivating the region's vibrant music culture. As Music Director and Conductor of the Marquette City Band since 2012, he has established annual winter and spring concerts, launched the Upper Peninsula Community Band Festival, and created the MCB Youth Soloist program. In 2017, he led the Marquette City Band on a five-city concert tour to Finland, performing in the sister city of Kajaani, Helsinki, and the prestigious Lieksa International Brass Festival.
As a founding member and Principal Trombone of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra since its 1997 inception, Grugin has served as a board member and Artistic Advisory Chair. He initiated the beloved "Sounds of the Holidays" concert series and has conducted multiple performances. His commitment to community enrichment was further demonstrated through his instrumental role in designing and fundraising for the new Peg Hirvonen Bandshell at Presque Isle Park.
Grugin's contributions extend across numerous ensembles, including the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, FinnFest Symphony Orchestra, Superior String Festival Orchestra, Westerly Winds Big Band (which he leads), OCTATUBA tuba ensemble, Superior Sackbuts Trombone Quartet, and as conductor of TubaChristmas. He also served as Founding Board President of Superior Arts Youth Theatre and remains active in Marquette's Sister Cities Program, having traveled internationally to promote music education and cultural exchange, including trips to Japan and Finland.
Beyond his performance and conducting work, Grugin has arranged music for more than 20 university marching bands across the country, as well as for the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and chamber music groups, demonstrating his versatility and compositional skill.
"What Dr. Stephen Grugin has done for music education and the arts from right here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is remarkable," says TV6 General Manager Rick Rhoades. "Steve is well deserving of the Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award not only for his professional accomplishments as an educator and musician, but also for the decades of strong commitment and positive impact to our community’s arts and culture scene."
During his last year as NMU's Director of Bands in 2023-24, Grugin was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. Upon his retirement from Northern Michigan University, he received a Special Tribute Proclamation from the State of Michigan signed by Representative Jen Hill, Senator Ed McBroom, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Grugin's impact extends through his family: his wife Betsy, who is retiring from her position as band director at Aspen Ridge Middle School, and their three daughters—Elizabeth, Mallory, and Kayla—who have all remained active in music, carrying forward the family legacy of musical excellence.
Grugin will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award live on-air during a special episode of Upper Michigan Today on Wednesday, February 4 at 9am. The Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2019 to honor the memory and legacy of Carl V. Pellonpaa. The award is presented annually to an individual who dedicates a lifetime of service to their industry and community. Carl Pellonpaa is revered for his work in broadcast television and for serving on multiple executive boards, including Suomi College (Finlandia University).
