Parent, Band Booster, and paraprofessional Martha Lundquist is retiring after 25 years of dedication to Edina’s band program. During her time at Edina High School, Lundquist helped elevate the program to what it is today.
Lundquist is known for her caring personality, positivity, and support for the band. “She promotes and elevates the [band] program using her voice to [communicate information to] the students and the parents. The image she paints of the program has been absolutely invaluable,” EHS Band Director Paul Kile said.
Lundquist’s first connection with the Edina Band was her five children, each of whom went through the band program with past conductor Bill Webb. During this time, Lundquist acted as a Band Booster, volunteering with the marching band, Pops Concerts, and fundraisers. “The first volunteer job I had was working at the Concert Band garage sale. It was fun, and it was nice to be around other band families, and [then] it just kept on going,” Lundquist said.
In 2000, Lundquist became the band’s paraprofessional. As a paraprofessional, she was in charge of assisting the band directors by sending out emails, responding to phone calls, planning events and fundraisers, and doing anything else the band needed. “[Kile] is kind of the ‘idea person,’ and I execute those ideas. I’m not an ‘idea person,’ but I can get the job done,” she said. Despite being paid for three hours a day, Lundquist works full time. “She probably logs more hours than me. I wake up Sunday morning, and I’ve got three emails from Martha already,” Kile said. In addition to her work, Lundquist attends every concert Edina students put on. “I think [she does it] because she loves [the students],” Kile said.
Lundquist reflected positively on her time at Edina. “I’m lucky to have had an experience working with those kids and great staff. I just feel like I worked hard, and I’m proud of what I did,” Lundquist said. “Sometimes I stand in the back of class when they’re playing, and I think: ‘My gosh, I really took this for granted.’”
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on May 20, 2025
