“The face of The Blue Devils,” Concord’s Gail Schultz, dies at 78
CONCORD, CA — Gail Schultz first got involved with the Blue Devils nearly five decades ago when her daughter Christine joined the local drum corps. Before Schultz died Aug. 9 at 78 in Florida she became “the face, heart and soul of the Blue Devils in so many ways and for so many years.”
Schultz twice served as president of the 19-time world champion’s board of directors. Her tenure on the board went from 1976-90. She was the first and one of three women to serve in that capacity.
The Blue Devils website announced her Aug. 8 passing last week. “Words fall short in describing the impact she made on our organization. But we can definitely say that we would not have The Blue Devils we know today without her. We all will miss her greatly.”
Besides the founding Odello family of Concord and the talented young performers and creative production professionals who have made the Blue Devils the preeminent marching arts organization in the world, it was manager Jerry Seawright and Schultz who were known near and far as the face of the group.
Graceful ambassador
The Blue Devils announcement said long-time Concord resident Schultz “was simultaneously an unabashed enthusiastic supporter, graceful ambassador.” She worked incredibly and stood willing to take on any task asked of her. She had a natural friendliness and communication savvy. And Gail’s efforts connected The Blue Devils to the local community, the country and the world. “She interacted with literally everyone at The Blue Devils. She was a joy to work with and made a positive difference in the lives of all she touched.”
In 1971 her daughter joined the Twirlers. She also became a member of the USTA National Champions Annette’s Pets Twirling Team. Schultz’s son Steven participated in the Jr. Drum & Bell Corps. Schultz managed the Junior and Senior Twirling Corps as well as the Winter Guard.
He board presidency terms were 1977-78 and 1985-87 and she also chaired the Precision West committee from 1985-92. As marketing and development director, Schultz coordinated special events and recruitment drives and represented the Blue Devils in local organizations such as the Concord Chamber of Commerce. As promotions manager, she coordinated all aspects of souvenir sales on the road with the A Corps during the summer and from the office during the off season.
First female president
“Gail was so proud of having been the first female to be president of the Blue Devils,” said Donna Batchelor, current president of BD Performing Arts. “When Rosa Lee (Harden) and I came along she was always proud of the women that came after her. We had big shoes to fill. She will be truly missed.”
“When Gail retired, we all missed her amazing personality and it was never the same without her infectious presence,” said long-time Blue Devils leader David Gibbs. “This is truly a sad day for all of us. But our fond memories and our love for Gail will live on forever.”
On its Facebook page the Blue Devils added that her family is having a private family funeral. The Blue Devils and Gail’s family will be planning a celebration of her life in California when it is safe and appropriate to gather in a group. It will probably be in 2021 following the year in which the Blue Devils did not perform for the first time in their illustrious history due to the pandemic.
Visit the Blue Devils website for more about the group.