We send our condolences to all family and friends of Local 2-197 members and former members who have passed away recently. They will be missed.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Harry Swanger on Dec 29, 2022, aged 84. Although not a member of AFM Local 2-197, as Founder and President of the Compton Heights Concert Band, he employed hundreds of members of our local for over 40 years. The Compton Heights Concert Band produced various Summer series concerts in St. Louis parks, as well as special concerts throughout the year; most notable are the long runs of Musical Mondays and Sunday Serenades. Harry had a passion for using professional musicians as mentors/coaches to help the community and high-school players advance in their craft, and many of these youths have advanced into being members of our local. He even started an Endowment that allowed high-schoolers to get private music instruction for free, and many of these students went on to become music teachers and professional musicians in the greater St. Louis area. His full obituary can be found at: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/creve-coeur-mo/harry-swanger-11083359 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Harry’s memory to a local arts organization of your choice.