Hanson Legacy Lives on Through Music Donation
Supporting Black Hawk College doesn’t always mean giving money — in-kind gifts can be just as impactful. From music student to music teacher to music donor, Terry Hanson’s connection to Black Hawk College spans five decades. In November 2025, he returned to his alma mater to talk about the musical instruments he and his family recently donated to BHC's Art, Design and Performing Arts department.
Thanks to Terry and his late father, Chuck Hanson, the college has added a grand piano, a bop drum kit, cymbals, and a keyboard for music students to use. In February 2025, six months before his passing at age 97, Chuck Hanson donated a 6’1” Yamaha G3 piano to the college.
“My dad wanted his piano to go to a place where it would get played and taken care of,” Terry said. “That was very important to him. I said, ‘I think BHC would be a great place.’ ” Chuck, his wife Jean, and their four children played a variety of instruments. The grand piano he donated to the college was built in 1969 and served as the Hanson family’s piano for decades.
Terry Hanson with the piano that his father, Chuck Hanson, donated to Black Hawk College.
In 1997, Terry was asked to return to Black Hawk College. But this time, he was the instructor. “What an honor!” he said of teaching BHC music students. “It was very rewarding!”
He taught part-time until 2020 and has stayed in touch with the BHC music faculty ever since. On a visit after his father’s passing, Terry realized the drum kit in the music department was the same one he had used as an instructor from 1997 to 2020 and as a student in the 1970s.
Terry’s contributions add a personal layer to the department. He donated his Premier bop drum kit—the same model he used during his teaching years—along with several cymbals, including one that traveled with him on a USO tour. For students, practicing on a professional drummer’s instruments offers both inspiration and a real connection to the career they’re pursuing.
He also donated his father’s Roland keyboard and Chuck’s stack of “fake books,” now part of the music library. These additions blend practical tools with family history, giving students access to instruments used in real performances and extending the Hanson legacy throughout the BHC music department.
“The generosity of the Hanson family is truly inspiring,” said assistant professor Corey Kendrick. “Terry helped a generation of BHC students as a teacher and now these gifts will empower yet another generation of musicians to meet their goals,” he said.
Have something you’d like to donate to BHC?
Your support, whether monetary or in-kind, helps strengthen student success. Contact us to learn about in-kind donation opportunities.
Visit Us
6600 34th Avenue, Moline, Illinois 61265 Call us: 309-796-5052
