Exclusive: Tuskegee Band Director Remembers Orlando Shooting Victim

Shock and disbelief is how so many people are reacting to the mass shooting in Orlando that left 50 people dead including the gunman.   But for those who knew the victims personally, it’s a time of deep sorrow.

One of those people is John Lennard.  He’s the band director at Tuskegee University.  But from 2003 through 2014, Lennard was a saxophonist for a band in Orlando.  It was during his time in this band he met back-up singer Shane Tomlinson.   The two formed a friendship through the years of performing various musical gigs in the city.  But now, Lennard’s friend is gone.  Tomlinson was was one of the victims in that mass shooting.

“Only thing I know is my friend died, all I know is my friend should not have died going out to have fun. However, he lived his life was his business. It’s just hurtful that we can’t do that in this society.”

Lennard says it’s still hard to believe his friend is gone.

“I’m sure I’ve been by that club thousands of times.  Especially when it hits home that one of your friends, someone you’ve spent time with, you’ve rehearsed with and talk to all the time, had to suffer in that situation.”

Lennard hopes to gather with some of his former band mates to mourn his friend and celebrate his life.