Episode Details

Mary Beth Shomos — known in Galesburg as Mary Beth Erffmeyer, GHS Class of 1979 — joined Jay Redfern on Galesburg's Morning News on Monday, June 15, 2026, to reflect on two major efforts she helped lead on behalf of GHS band alumni: the naming of the Sally Rynott Music Wing at Galesburg Junior/Senior High School, and the creation of the GHS Band Alumni Legacy Fund through the Galesburg Community Foundation. Shomos served as the second female drum major in GHS history under Rynott's direction, was a member of the band that traveled to Rome in 1978 to perform at an international music festival, and has spent the past year helping organize alumni support for both the wing naming and the legacy fund. In this interview, Shomos discusses: What the 7-0 board vote on June 8 meant to her and fellow alumni Sally Rynott's demanding leadership style — and her softer side The 1978 Rome trip and what it meant for kids from Galesburg The GHS Band Alumni Legacy Fund — what it is, who it's for, and how to give The upcoming alumni reunion, July 31 and August 1 in Galesburg   To contribute to the GHS Band Alumni Legacy Fund, contact the Galesburg Community Foundation. For reunion information, email ghsbandalums@gmail.com. Read the full story: 'Jeezy Cricks, what have you gone and done?': GHS drum major reflects on Sally Rynott and a fund for the future Read WGIL's full coverage of the Sally Rynott Music Wing naming: Preview story | Board vote story  Subscribe to Galesburg’s Morning News on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.