Fritz Stansell studied music education at Michigan State University, teaching all levels of band and orchestra at many West Michigan schools, including Grant, North Muskegon and Muskegon Public Schools, as well as Muskegon Community College.
In 1965, Stansell left teaching to create Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake. The camp offered students the opportunity to study music, art, and dance. Over time, the camp added an international student exchange program and a public radio station. Today, the camp is an internationally recognized nonprofit summer art school celebrating its 60th year of operation.
One of the first organizations with nonprofit status in the state of Michigan, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp awarded millions in scholarships under Stansell’s leadership, reaching thousands of students each season. To date, the camp has served over 300,000 participants.
Among his many accomplishments, Stansell was awarded a Governor’s Arts Award from then-Governor John Engler in 1992 and the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians Lifelong Contribution to Music Award the following year.
Stansell resided in the Upper Peninsula and leaves behind his wife of 71 years, three children and five grandchildren.
