Warren S. Mercer, Jr.
May 5, 1935 - April 20, 2007

A short article printed in the North Hills News Record in September, 1992 - Retired Director Instrumental in New Band -  marked the beginning of the North Suburban Symphonic Band.  Warren Mercer had retired from 31 years as Band Director at North Hills Senior High School and wasn't ready to hang up his baton just yet.  In the article, he said, "the band targets the student who played in school but had no place to use that talent after graduation." From a humble beginning with 40 musicians and known originally as the "North Suburban Community Band," the NSSB has developed and matured into a premiere cultural asset in the North Hills with over 75 members.

Our founder, Warren Mercer, passed away after a 2-1/2 year battle with cancer on April 20, 2007.  Although he retired from actively directing the NSSB in 1995 for health reasons, he continued to periodically appear as a guest conductor.  His dedication to music and encouragement to musicians - of all levels of talent to do their very best - is the finest legacy to his name.  I had the privilege of attending North Hills High School (Class of 1970) and was a member of the phenomenal award-winning band of those three years.  Warren Mercer was a hard taskmaster and perfectionist, and brought those qualities to the NSSB, as well.  I believe that the NSSB would not be the band that it is today - nearly 20 years later - without the leadership and ideals that he brought to us in those early days.

Thank you, Mr. Mercer, for the North Suburban Symphonic Band.