Congratulations to our March 2022 Danville Dental Associates Citizen of the Month, Charles Ellis!
Charles Ellis, received his music degree from what is now Virginia Commonwealth University and began his professional life as a Band and Choral Director for 7 years in Pittsylvania County Schools. Helping give direction to the lives of teenagers is a great memory for him. Charles loves to see people, especially the young, exceed their expectations. After teaching, Charles had successful stays at American National Bank, the City of Danville, and his well-known leadership of the Danville Symphony Orchestra.
For 64 years, Charles has also played in dance bands and trumpet ensembles. He has served as a member of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, he is an elder of First Presbyterian Church, and his community service in Danville includes helping organizations like Crimestoppers of Danville, the Boy Scouts, the Danville Concert Association, Board member of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, and has twice been the Chairman of the Danville Airport Commission. He has been a pilot for over 50 years, loves photography, travel, restoring vintage Volvos. Charles Ellis—our WBTM Citizen of the Month, has lived in Danville with his wife Carol for 59 years.
Charles has wonderful memories of helping inspire young people and adults to achieve their potential. While teaching music, Charles was often the buffer between a mom and her child in the selection of an instrument. Mom wanted her child to play clarinet, child wanted to play saxophone. One example, Charles told a mom that if her child didn’t play the desired instrument, they would probably not be successful. Turned out, the child progressed nicely. 50 years later, Charles received a lengthy letter from that student. In summary, the letter stated that Charles was the only person in that stage of her life that had confidence in her ability. She exceeded all expectations.
When Charles auditioned in the spring of 2000 for the conductor’s position for the Danville Symphony, little did he know that three of his former students from DRHS would be in the orchestra. Even today, one continues to play.
While preparing for a particular concert, the soloist was rehearsing a very emotional piece that came from a sad and intense movie. The soloist was playing accurately, but a bit mechanically. Charles asked her if she had seen the movie, and the answer was no. He suggested strongly that she see the movie and she would better understand what it portrayed. On the night of the performance, Charles keyed on her every move. Her eyes never opened, tears ran down her cheeks as she played, as it was her emotion that delivered a moving piece of work. Off stage, before returning for her bows, she told Charles “If I never play again, I had my night tonight”. Charles has always said…that’s what music should be– people exceeding expectations!!
Charles was fortunate to be a part of the City Manager’s staff at one point in his life for the city. He also had the opportunity to ride often, with then, Police Chief Neal Morris…where he learned it’s better to create an environment of removing an opportunity for a problem, than reacting to solve an issue after the fact.
The author of our letter of nomination chooses to remain anonymous.
Once again congratulations to our WBTM/Danville Dental Associates “Citizen of the Month…Mr. Charles Ellis. Having been selected for this high honor, Charles receives:
• Dinner at Outback ($60 Value)
• A ride to dinner from W&W Luxury Limousine Service
• $50 in treats and gift cards from Hoppers Poppers
• Official Citizen of the Month Plaque from Custom Embroidery and Screen Printing
• And recognition on Danville Dental Associates’ digital billboards and social media accounts
To nominate someone for next month’s honor click: https://bit.ly/3tDoa8K