Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band said in a social media post Wednesday that its founder and program director, Kathy Cook, has died.
“Our founder, Kathy Cook, has passed away. Please keep Bill and the Cook family in your thoughts at this time,” the band said in an Aug. 25 post on Facebook.
Comments on social media quickly poured in, expressing condolences and remembering Cook for her upbeat positivity. She could often be seen with a beaming smile at the band’s community performances around town.
The band said a special “rehearsal” will be held for current and former band members, as well as family, on Aug. 30 to share memories of Cook. The post also said “a very important and amazing announcement” regarding the future of the band will be made at the event.
The all-volunteer community marching band was founded in 2005, originally intended to perform just once during the city’s Red, White & Blue parade that year, according to the band’s Facebook page.
Over the years it became known for its performances at community events around the region, annually playing at the Citrus Heights Tree Lighting ceremony and organizing a flash-mob at Walmart each December.
