Outstanding Contributors

The Outstanding Contributor Award honors an individual for outstanding contribution to the support and/or development of bands.  The individual may be a composer, administrator, business person, etc. who makes a significant contribution to our profession.

† – deceased

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2024

Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more. He is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Award with his work Love and Light, which was premiered by “Pershing’s Own” United States Army Band. Additional premieres include the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the United States Coast Guard Band, Boston Brass and many others. He has served as composer-in-residence for the Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Band Directors Association, Music for All, and was commissioned by the National String Project Consortium to write a multi-level work involving students from 41 sites in 22 states. He was awarded the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and in the same year was commissioned by his other alma mater, the University of Miami, to compose music for the inauguration of the institution’s 6th president, Dr. Julio Frenk. His music was also performed as part of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, which was attended by both President Obama and Vice President Biden.

As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys regular engagements with all-state bands and orchestras as well as university and professional groups throughout the world. Notable guest conducting appearances have included “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, Air Force Band of the West, and performances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), College Band Directors Eastern Conference, American School Band Directors Association National Conference, numerous state ASTA conferences, Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and many others. He has performed in nearly all 50 states, is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, and is the 2024 recipient of the Phi Beta Mu International Outstanding Contributor Award. He previously served as Assistant Director of Bands and Orchestras at Towson University where he also taught instrumental conducting. Currently, he is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred Music and MakeMusic.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2023

Tom Rhodes

Tom Rhodes

Congratulations to the 2023 Phi Beta Mu International Outstanding Contributor to Bands, Mr. Tom Rhodes. The award will be presented at the 2023 PBM Awards Breakfast during the Midwest Clinic. The Outstanding Contributor Award honors an individual for outstanding contribution to the support and/or development of bands.  The individual may be a composer, administrator, business person, etc. who makes a significant contribution to our profession.

Tom Rhodes was the president of RBC Music Company, a San Antonio sheet music retailer and publisher that served both national and international markets from a number of outlets in Texas. He is a Past President of the Texas Bandmasters Association and a member of Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, TMEA, TBA, CBDNA, and MENC. His teaching background includes service as band director of the University of Texas Longhorn Band.

In his 16 years as a public school band director, Tom’s band earned 101 UIL First Division awards.  As director of the Longhorn Band he was presented the Sudler Award for outstanding contributions to university marching bands.  Tom has performed clinics and guest conducted bands throughout the United States and Canada as well as on other continents. He has arranged numerous selections for concert and co-authored the “Essential Elements” and “Essential Elements 2000” series of band method books and supplementary materials, which now comprise some of the most popular material for band instruction available.

In July 2001, Tom was the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Bands presented by the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmaster Fraternity. In July 2003, Tom was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in recognition of his career as an outstanding band director in Texas.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2022

Richard Floyd

Richard Floyd

Richard Floyd recently retired as University Interscholastic League State Director of Music at the University of Texas at Austin and now holds the title Texas State Director of Music Emeritus. He also serves as Musical Director and Conductor of the Austin Symphonic Band.

His ensembles have performed at numerous state and national conferences, including the 1977 College Band Directors National Association, 1981 Music Educators National Conference, and concerts at Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1989, 1997, and 2007. Other distinguished performances include concerts for American Bandmasters Association in 1993 and 2006, and the 2004 Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, WA.

He has toured extensively as a clinician and conductor throughout the United States and 11 countries. Texas Bandmasters Association named him Texas Bandmaster of the Year in 2006 and presented him with the TBA Lifetime Administrative Achievement Award in 2008. He received the Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award in 2009. In 2011, he was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame and Texas PBM Hall of Fame in 2011, and was awarded the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Medal of Honor for distinguished service to the profession. In 2014, he was inducted into the National Band Association Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts and was honored with the Kappa Kappa Phi Distinguished Service to Music medal. He was National Secretary for the College Band Directors National Association from 1979–2007 and played an active leadership role in that organization for over 3 decades.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Music for All and is a Yamaha Master Educator. In 2006, he was featured on Kindred Spirits from the DVD series Conducting from the Inside Out. He is also author of The Artistry of Teaching and Making Music, published in 2015 to critical acclaim.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2020

John M. Stoner Jr.

Former President/CEO of Conn-Selmer

John Stoner
John M. Stoner Jr.

John M. Stoner Jr. assumed the role of President/CEO of Conn-Selmer, Inc. in 2002 following 24 years of leadership as President/CEO of Ames True Temper. In addition to being focused on the manufacturing of legendary-brand band and orchestra instruments, he set his sights on establishing a personalized outreach program designed to benefit the music education community.

In 2013 the Conn-Selmer Division of Education was launched. Working alongside Tim Lautzenheiser, Vice President of Education, John’s initiative quickly grew with the establishment of several recognized programs including: Conn-Selmer Institute (a popular annual workshop); the hailed VIP visitations (now boasting of over 2,500 participants); a robust clinician roster (including the luminary master educators); a workshop designed specifically for music administrators, and a host of sponsorships supporting various aspects of the music education world. Today the Division of Education has grown to a 20+ member staff serving music teachers around the globe.

“During his tenure at Conn-Selmer, John Stoner built a synergistic bridge-of-support between music industry and music education that is now the gold standard for both professions. It has been a grand privilege and a distinct honor to share this remarkable journey with him. Witnessing the value of combining the efforts-and-energies generated with this cooperative landscape is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On behalf of all music educators: Thank you, John …Thank you!” -Tim Lautzenheiser, Vice President of Education, Conn-Selmer, Inc.

John Stoner is the recipient of the 2014 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Music Industry Award. In 2016 he received the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium Distinguished Service Award.

In September 2019, Mr. Stoner retired from Conn-Selmer, Inc. following 17 years of leading the company to its internationally recognized status. John presently resides in Granger, Indiana with his wife Jan.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2019

Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (ret.)

Director Emeritus, U.S. Marine Band

Colonel John R. Bourgeois

Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret), was the 25th director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. His acclaimed career spanned nine presidential administrations  ̶  from Presidents Eisenhower to Clinton.

A native of Louisiana, Colonel Bourgeois is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and entered “The President’s Own” in 1958 as a French hornist and arranger. Named Director in 1979, Colonel Bourgeois was promoted to his present rank in 1983. He retired from active duty in 1996. As Director of “The President’s Own”, Bourgeois was Music Adviser to the White House. He selected the musical program and directed the band in its traditional place of honor at the U.S. Capitol for four presidential inaugurations.

Administrative and board appointments include: President and CEO of the John Philip Sousa Foundation; National Band Association [past president]; International Military Music Society [past vice president]; World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles [board]; Association of Concert Bands [board].

Awards and honors include: Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster Award; Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award for “contributions to the growth and developments of modern college and university bands”; Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor; Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Citation “for service and dedication to music and country”; Grainger Medallion of the International Percy Grainger Society; and A.A. Harding Award of the American School Band Directors’ Association.

Bourgeois conducted his final concert as Director of “The President’s Own” on 11 July 1996 (the band’s 198th birthday) Washington, D.C. More than 3,500 people attended the gala event. Presidents Clinton, Bush, Ford and Carter and Mrs. Reagan sent letters of gratitude and praise which were read at the concert.

In his retirement Bourgeois stays busy as a guest conductor, clinician, visiting professor, and Artist-in-Residence at Loyola University New Orleans in a chair endowed in his name. He continues to produce wind band arrangements and editions for Wingert-Jones in a series known as The Bourgeois Editions. He is also published by Ludwig Masters and Hal Leonard.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2018

Robert W. Smith

RWS Music Company
Music Industry program
Troy University
Troy, Alabama

Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith is one of the most popular and prolific composers in America today. He has over 600 publications in print with the majority composed and arranged through his long association with Warner Bros. Publications and the Belwin catalog.

Mr. Smith’s credits include many compositions and productions in all areas of the music field. His original works for winds and percussion have been programmed by countless military, university, high school, and middle school bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. His Symphony #1 (The Divine Comedy); Symphony #2 (The Odyssey); Symphony #3 (Don Quixote); Inchon and Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual have received worldwide critical acclaim. His educational compositions such as The TempestEncanto, and The Great Locomotive Chase have become standards for developing bands throughout the world.

His music has received extensive airplay on major network television as well as inclusion in multiple motion pictures. From professional ensembles such as the United States Navy Band, United States Air Force Band, Boston Pops and the Atlanta Symphony to school bands and orchestras throughout the world, his music speaks to audiences in any concert setting. As a conductor, clinician and keynote speaker, Mr. Smith has performed throughout North America, Asia, South America, Europe and Australia. His music has been recorded by various ensembles and is available on CD and download through iTunes, Amazon, and other recorded music outlets.

RWS Music Company, exclusively distributed through C.L. Barnhouse, is overseen by President/CEO  Robert W. Smith. In addition, he is currently teaching in the Music Industry program at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. His teaching responsibilities are focused in music composition, production, publishing and business.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2017

Dennis Fisher

Associate Director of Wind Studies
Professor of Music
Conductor of Symphonic Band

Dennis Fisher
Dennis Fisher

Dennis Fisher has a wide variety of experience and expertise as a conductor, arranger, clinician, educator, and consultant. He is very active as an arranger for symphonic band, marching band and chamber music. Mr. Fisher frequently serves as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the United States,Thailand, Japan, Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada, Greece, and Russia. He recently served as guest conductor of the Southeast Asian Youth Wind Ensemble in Bangkok, Thailand and as judge for the All Asian Symphonic Band Competition. In addition, Fisher currently serves as principal guest conductor of the Volga Band, Professional Wind Orchestra in Saratov, Russia.

Mr. Fisher has recorded extensively on the Mark, Klavier, and G.I.A. labels with the University of North Texas Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. He is co-author of Teaching Music Through Performance in Beginning Band, Volume 2. He also is recording and editing producer of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series CD recordings, and editor of the Master Conductor DVD series, published and distributed by G.I.A. Publications.

Mr. Fisher holds professional memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association; Texas Bandmasters Association; College Band Directors National Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He has been elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and with invited membership in Phi Beta Mu National Band Fraternity. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and is Past-President of the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association.

Mr. Fisher has been awarded the Gagarin Medal of Honor from the Society of Cosmonauts of the Russian Federal Space Agency. Other honors include twice being named “Top Prof” by the Mortarboard Society at U.N.T., and recipient of the University of North Texas Community Award.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2016

Chip Averwater

Chairman: Amro Music Stores
Past chairman: NAMM
President: Play It Again Memphis
Author: Retail Truths

Chip Averwater
Chip Averwater

Chip Averwater is chairman of Amro Music Stores in Memphis, TN, a company founded by his grandfather in 1921.

Chip played clarinet, guitar, bass, and organ growing up, and at 12 began polishing instruments and sweeping floors at Amro Saturdays and summers. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in German and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, he joined Amro full-time and helped build it into one of the largest musical instrument retailers in the U.S.

Chip served for 14 years as a board member and officer of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, and served as its chairman from 2007-2009. The association represents over 9,000 musical instrument businesses and produces the NAMM Show, one of the largest trade conventions in the U.S. NAMM actively promotes and supports music education in the schools and has been a proponent and important ally in music education lobbying and legislation.

Chip was also a founding member and long-time president of Play It Again Memphis, a charity that collects instruments in the community, refurbishes them, and provides them to students who might not otherwise be able to participate in music.

He is author of Retail Truths; The Unconventional Wisdom of Retailing and has been a featured speaker at meetings and conventions in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Chip lives in Memphis with Jan, his wife of 38 years. They have 3 sons and one grandson. Chip enjoys playing and listening to music, reading, and travel.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2015

Mark Camphouse

Professor of Music
George Mason University

Mark Camphouse

Mark Camphouse is Professor of Music at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where he teaches composition and conducting and serves as conductor of the Mason Wind Symphony.

His 30 published works for wind band have received widespread critical acclaim and are performed widely in the US and abroad. Mr. Camphouse has served as guest conductor, lecturer, and clinician in 43 states, Canada, Europe, and China, and has served as founding coordinator of the National Band Association Young Composer Mentor Project since 2000. He conceived and edited the unique 4-volume book series for GIA Publications, Composers on Composing for Band. His 5th book with GIA (Whatsoever Things … The Life and Teachings of John P. Paynter) was published in 2015.

The 2015-16 academic year marked his 38th year of full-time teaching in higher education. Camphouse was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 1999. In 2002, Camphouse received an Outstanding Faculty Award sponsored by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Commonwealth’s highest honor for faculty at Virginia’s college and universities for demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and public service. In 2011, he received the Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award in recognition of valuable contributions to the growth and development of the modern college /university band in the field of composition.

Camphouse holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Northwestern University. Mr. Camphouse has been married to Elizabeth Ann Curtis since 1982.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2014

Kenneth L. Neidig

Author / Editor / Teacher

Kenneth L. Neidig

Kenneth L. Neidig is an experienced editor/writer with publication credits now spanning over 60 years. In 1948, Ken was the editor of his high school annual [with a music theme] in Washington, New Jersey. In 2008 he produced three books for Meredith Music Publications: Rehearsing the Band, A Conductor’s Interpretive Analysis of Masterworks for Band, and Performance Study Guides of Essential Works for Band. He was editor of The Instrumentalist from 1970 to 1984, when he left to found his own magazine [Band, then BD Guide], retiring in 1995. His first book, Band Director’s Guide, was published in 1964 by Prentice-Hall, followed by Choral Director’s Guide [1967] and Music Director’s Complete Handbook of Forms [1973].

Ken Neidig has music education degrees from two Kentucky schools [Murray and UK], and he taught in that state for 15 years. He was also active in the state music education association and edited their official publication, the Bluegrass Music News [1967-70].

During the Korean War, he served a three-year enlistment in U.S. Army Bands, including the 293rd at the United Nations Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He continued to play clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon in various groups and has written many arrangements for the Mesilla Valley Concert Band, a 100-piece community organization in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS 2013

Ken and Yuriko Murakami

Brain International Co. Ltd. | Bravo Music
Hiroshima, Japan

Ken and Yuriko Murakami

Ken and Yuriko Murakami established Brain Company Ltd. in Hiroshima, Japan in 1976 as a small recording business to serve the educational community, working with bands and choirs on commission. As demand for their quality of work grew, the Murakamis began to video record contests and concerts for all levels of musical groups. Brain’s recording scope expanded to include prestigious national band and chorus festivals.

After close association with Dr. Frederick Fennell on numerous recording and educational projects, Brain Co. Ltd. joined with Ludwig Music Publishing Company to found Brain International Co. Inc. To more effectively serve America and Europe, Ken and Yuriko created a Western export division called Bravo Music. The Murakamis’ overt kindness and their company’s nurturing philosophy have drawn the attention of educators, composers and conductors from both sides of the Pacific and Europe.

For the last 15 years Brain Company has served as an inspiration and catalyst for musical exchange to and from Japan for musicians and educators young and old, amateur and professional. They are instrumental in hosting and making all arrangements for Japanese groups to perform at such prestigious music conferences as Midwest, Texas Bandmasters Association, Arkansas Bandmasters Association, Florida Music Educators Association, Bands of America Summer Symposium, Western International Band Clinic, CBDNA along with the New York Band and Orchestra Festival.

They also hold a tour for American directors each year at the All-Japan Band Festival to strengthen the relationship and build cultural understanding and awareness between two band-loving countries.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2012

Edward S. Lisk

Edward S. Lisk

Edward S. Lisk is an internationally recognized clinician, conductor, and author. He is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Music with graduate studies at Ithaca School of Music, Syracuse University, and Oswego State University. He is the former Director of Bands and K-12 Music Supervisor of the Oswego City School District in Oswego, New York. He is an inducted member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and in the year 2000 served as the 63rd President of this distinguished organization founded by Edwin Franko Goldman.

Mr. Lisk is an honored and elected member [48th] of the prestigious National Band Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors. This is considered the very highest honor any band director can ever receive in their lifetime. The National Band Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors is housed in a magnificent facility made available by Troy State University in Alabama. He is the 2009 recipient of the distinguished Midwest Medal of Honor. The University of Alabama School of Music appointed Mr. Lisk to the distinguished Endowed Chair Position in Music Education in 2007-08.

Since 1985 Mr. Lisk has served as an adjunct professor, appeared as a clinician/lecturer, adjudicator, and guest conductor throughout 85 universities in 46 states, five Canadian Provinces and Australia. In 1990 he traveled to Australia and presented sessions for the Australian National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Perth, Melbourne, and Sidney. He is the author of The Creative Director Series [9 pub.] published by Meredith Music Publications and a coauthor of the highly acclaimed 8-volume publication by GIA, Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. He also is the editor for the Edwin Franko Goldman March Series for Carl Fischer Music Publications.

Mr. Lisk serves as Vice President of the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and President and CEO of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He is a past-president of the National Band Association [’90-’92] and served NBA as Executive Secretary Treasurer [‘97-‘02]. He was one of the original founders of the New York State Band Directors Association.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2011

Al Sturchio

Al Sturchio

Al Sturchio received the 2007 Lifetime Administrator Achievement Award. He was 2000 TBA Bandmaster of the Year and in 1986 served as TBA Board of Directors President. He also served as the Executive Secretary of the Texas Bandmaster Association. In June of 1986 he retired from teaching after 34 wonderful years of assisting students and teachers with their musical desires and abilities.

As Executive Secretary of TBA, he had the opportunity to assist band directors in improving skills with the convention’s educational offerings. Working with the Board of Directors in accomplishing the purpose and goals of TBA has given him the opportunity to work with the finest people in our band world.

Al Sturchio has been a part of the San Antonio music culture for many years. His background includes conducting on tour with Johnny Carson and Jack Benny as well as trumpet playing and/or conducting for the following: Ringling Brothers Circus; Ice Capades; Stevie Wonder; James Brown; Kenny Rogers and Grand Ole Opry during the 1968 San Antonio World’s Fair; Sonny and Cher and many, many more.

However, as much as he has accomplished, one of his greater performance satisfactions has been playing for the San Antonio Spurs for more than 10 years as the “Sound of the Spurs.”

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2010

Mark J. Morette

Mark J. Morette

Mark J. Morette is the second generation owner of Mark Custom Recording Service, Inc. In Clarence, NY, Mark Recording was founded in 1962 by Vincent S. Morette, a music/technology pioneer and innovator who brought together music education and the tape recorder. Mark followed in his father’s footsteps and has been recording for over 30 years.

He has been privileged to work with jazz greats Bobby McFerrin; Dizzy Gillespie; John Faddis; Steve Houghton; Shelly Berg; Jeff Jarvis and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. Pop music favorites include Ginger Baker; Richie Havens; Denny Laine; 10,000 Maniacs; Goo Goo Dolls; Misfits; Men at Work, plus classical artists Fred Mills; Houston Opera; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra; US Air Force, Army, Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard Bands; Rutgers Wind Ensemble; Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble [Canada]; and Texas A&M University.

Mark currently spends over 30 weeks a year “on the road” recording. He has been honored with 160 Grammy Entry List appearances for his recordings, producing, and Mark Records releases. He has been awarded the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s award for Outstanding Service to Music Education, the International Percy Grainger Society’s Grainger Medallion, as well as the New York State Band Director’s Association’s Outstanding Service award.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2009

Richard C. Crain

Richard C. Crain

Music educator, administrator, consultant, adjudicator, clinician, lecturer, and leader, Richard C. Crain is Past President of the Texas Bandmasters Association, Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He has served as Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity since 1977, the Coordinator for the National Concert Band Festival for Bands of America since 1991, and served on the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic for the past 18 years.

Crain has been honored by the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Associations, receiving the Outstanding Music Educator Award for Texas in 1994 and 1995, and was acknowledged by the Texas Bandmasters Association as Texas Bandmaster of the Year in 1994. In 2006 Crain received the Texas Bandmasters Association Lifetime Administrator Achievement Award.

After 45 years of service, Crain remains a passionate and committed advocate for music education.

Interview with Richard C. Crain

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2008

Scott McCormick

Scott McCormick

Scott McCormick is CEO and leader of Music for All, a non-profit organization recognized as one of the largest and most influential national music education organizations. Music for All inspires active music making and provides a high quality, educational performing experience for America’s high school instrumental music programs. Music for All provides national level programming combined with awareness campaigns, research and advocacy.

McCormick is active on numerous boards of directors promoting music education, arts administration, and youth in the United States and Europe. He has membership in the American Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, Kappa Kappa Psi, and is a founding partner of the Jazz Education Network. He is a sought-after clinician, adjudicator and author.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2007

Harry Pinchin

Harry Pinchin

Harry Pinchin has been honored for his lifetime commitment to music and music making.

He is also a performer and conductor; founder and director of the Cosmopolitan Music Society, an organization dedicated to community band programming; recipient of numerous awards at the provincial and national level for excellence in arts and culture; and recipient of the distinguished International Award by the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic 2001.

He was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Bandmasters Association.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2006

Richard Miles

Richard Miles

Richard Miles is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Morehead State University and co-author and editor of the Teaching Music through Performance series and other valuable resources for music educators.

He is also Past-President of the College Band Directors National Association – Southern Division and a sought-after guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2005

Tim Reynish

Tim Reynish Tim Reynish is on faculty at the International Chamber Music Studio at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. He is renowned as as one of the leading conductors of wind bands and wind ensembles in the world.

Reynish was a music scholar at Cambridge, working under Raymond Leppard and Sir David Willcocks and held principal horn positions with the Northern Sinfonia, Sadler’s Wells Opera [now the English National Opera] and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. In the 1970s he founded the Birmingham Sinfonietta from members of the CBSO.

In 2010 he contributed the chapter Music for Wind Band in The New Percy Grainger Companion, published by Boydell & Brewer.

He travels the world fulfilling his many engagements as conductor, educator and clinician.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS 2004

Joyce Martin |  Frank Fendorf [1925-2016]

Joyce Martin
Joyce Martin
Frank Fendorf

Since Merrill Jones and George Wingert opened the doors for business in 1960, Wingert-Jones Music has been a strong advocate of music education. In 1962 Joyce Martin became the first full-time employee at Wingert-Jones; Frank Fendorf was hired in 1965. They became part of a strong team that continued the legacy of strong leadership, commitment to growth, and support of music education.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2003

Max McKee  [1926-2013]

Max McKee
Max McKee

Editor of Bandworld and co-founder of WIBC, Max McKee was Professor Emeritus at Southern Oregon University and Executive Director of The American Band College Master’s program. He was co-founder of WIBC and an elected member of The American Bandmasters Association. He served on its Board of Directors and on the board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

Awards and honours include: the Sousa Foundation’s Medal of Honor [1998]; induction as an honorary member in Phi Beta Mu [2003]; the Midwest Clinic’s Music Industry Award [2005]; and the ASBDA’s A.A. Harding Award [2006].

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2002

Tabor Stamper

Tabor Stampor
Tabor Stampor

Tabor Stampor is the President of Jupiter Band Instruments.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2001

Keith Mann [1929-2001]

Keith Mann
Keith Mann

Beloved music educator Keith Mann died in a tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 61 on May 11, 2001. Director of Bands at Red Deer College in Alberta, Mr. Mann served internationally as a guest conductor, lecturer, clinician and adjudicator. He was a tireless music advocate who inspired many of his students to consider careers in the music industry.

He established the Canadian Band Journal, serving as its editor for 22 years.

Awards and honours include: one of Ten Outstanding Band Directors in the US and Canada by School Musician; National Band Association Citation; Sousa Order of Merit; Canada Medal for “service to the nation”, WIBC’s Phoenix Award; Canada’s National Music Award; Alberta Achievement Award; Phi Beta Mu’s David Peterkin Award; Canada’s Commemorative Medal; American Bandmasters Association’s Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation; Midwest Clinic’s International Award” in recognition of Outstanding contributions and Dedication to Instrumental Music Education.”

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 2000

Al Wright [1916-2020]  |  Gladys Wright

 
Dr. Al. G. Wright
Al Wright

Dr. Al. G. Wright was Director of Bands Emeritus at Purdue University and Chairman of the Board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He became director of the Purdue All-American Marching Band [AAMB] in 1954 and served for 27 years until his retirement in 1981.

Wright introduced a number of innovations to the Purdue band program, including elaborate football halftime shows and an expanded majorette corps featuring the Golden Girl and Silver Twins. He was also responsible for significantly expanding the band’s reach beyond football, including several performances at Radio City Music Hall.

Gladys Wright was the first woman elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the first woman to receive national honorary membership in the international bandmasters fraternity Phi Beta Mu. She was founding president of the Women Band Directors National Association and has been active in the John Philip Sousa Foundation, where she helped launch a series of middle school honor bands throughout the United States. The West Lafayette resident remains active as editor of Woman Conductor.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1999

Col. Arnald D. Gabriel

Col. Arnald D. Gabriel
Col. Arnald D. Gabriel

Col. Arnald D. Gabriel served as Commander/Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants. He served on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia as Conductor of the GMU Symphony Orchestra, and as Chair of the Department of Music. He is listed in the International Who’s Who in Music.

Col. Gabriel was the youngest member ever inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors. He was named Music Director Emeritus of the McLean [VA] Orchestra for his outstanding leadership.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1998

Neil Kjos Jr. [1931−2009]

Neil Kjos Jr.
Neil Kjos Jr.

Neil Kjos Jr. initiated a piano catalog in the Neil A. Kjos Music Company [founded by his father], which culminated in the best-selling Bastien Piano Basics, the world′s first 4-colour piano method. It is now available in more than 16 languages. The company published the Standard of Excellence band method and All for Strings method for string orchestra.

Neil was a tireless supporter of both music education and the arts. He served on the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors [co-founded by his father] from 1968-1998, and received its Music Industry Award in 1994. He was an Honorary Associate Member of the American Bandmasters Association.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1997

Sam Fox  [1882-1971]

As a young man, Sam Fox worked as conductor of the Central High School Orchestras in Cleveland, an activity that served as a foundation for his pioneering work as a publisher of music for educational training and performance.

Fox founded Sandbox Music Publishing Company, later called Sam Fox Publishing Company. In 1917 Fox became the exclusive publisher for John Philip Sousa. Hollywood film work led to his publication of songs in Fox films, including The Good Ship Lollipop sung by Shirley Temple.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1996

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser‘s career involves ten years of successful college band directing at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. He created Attitude Concepts for Today, an organization that manages workshops, seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the pathway-to-excellence. Tim presently holds the Earl Dunn Distinguished Lecturer position at Ball State University.

His books The Art of Successful Teaching, The Joy of Inspired Teaching, Music Advocacy and Student Leadership, and Everyday Wisdom for Inspired Teaching are bestsellers. He is co-author of Hal Leonard’s popular band method Essential Elements – 2000.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1995

David Maslanka  [1943-2017]

David Maslanka
David Maslanka

Composer David Maslanka‘s 40+ works for wind ensemble and band included Symphonies 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9; 12 concertos; a Mass, and many concert pieces. His wind chamber music included four wind quintets; two saxophone quartets and many works for solo instrument and piano. In addition, he wrote a variety of orchestral and choral pieces.

He served on the faculties of the State University of New York at Geneseo; Sarah Lawrence College; New York University, and Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York. Beginning in 1990 was a freelance composer.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1994

Joseph T. Alme

Joseph T. Alme is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands and conductor of the Minot State University Concert Band. He is principal trombonist with the Minot Symphony Orchestra, the Brass Band of Minot and the North Dakota State Fair Band.

Awards and honours include: Dakota’s 1978 Outstanding Young Educator; 1994 International Honorary Member of Phi Beta Mu; North Dakota Music Educators Hall of Fame; in 2003 was recognized by Swedish government for his efforts in educating and mentoring young Scandinavian students and conductors; 2004 North Dakota Band Directors Association Distinguished Service Award; 2005 Service Award sponsored by North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1993

Barbara Buehlman [1936–1997]

Barbara Buehlman
Barbara Buehlman

Arranger Barbara Buehlman received her BME [1959] and MME [1960] degrees from Northwestern University. After graduation she taught in the Round Lake, Illinois schools until 1983, when she became an administrator of the Midwest National Band and Orchestra Clinic.

She was a co-author of the Band Plus method books with James Swearingen. She was active with the Northshore Concert Band, serving as its Business Manager from 1962 until her death in 1997.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1992

Tournament of Roses

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1990

Jimmy Saied [1915-2004]

Jimmy Saied
Jimmy Saied

Jimmy Saied, the founder of the Saied Music Store chain in Oklahoma, loved the marches of John Phillip Sousa. In fact, he liked them so much that he teamed with then NAMM President Ziggy Coyle to create the bill Ronald Reagan signed into law in 1983 making The Stars and Stripes Forever the national march.

As successful as his business began and as poignant his contributions to the industry were, Jimmy seemed most proud of educating children in music. He said, “Music can give so much to a person’s life. We ought to give music to every child!”

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1988

Alfred Reed  [1921-2005]

Alfred Reed
Alfred Reed

Alfred Reed was one of North America’s most prolific and frequently performed composers, with more than 200 published works to his name. He was born in New York and began his formal music training at the age of ten. During World War II, he served in the 529th Army Air Force Band. Following his military service, he attended the Juilliard School of Music, studying under Vittorio Giannini, after which he was staff composer and arranger first for NBC, then for ABC.

In 1953 he became the conductor of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra at Baylor University, where he received his B.M. in 1955 and his M.M. in 1956. His master’s thesis, Rhapsody for Viola and Orchestra, was awarded the Luria Prize in 1959. He was a member of the Beta Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national fraternity for men in music.

From 1955 to 1966 he was the executive editor of Hansen Publications, a music publisher. He was professor of music at the University of Miami [where he worked with composer Clifton Williams] from 1966 until his death in 1976. He established the very first college-level music business curriculum at the University of Miami in 1966, which led other colleges and universities to follow suit.

At the time of his death, he had composition commissions that would have taken him to the age of 115. Many of Reed’s wind band compositions have been released as CD recordings by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1986

Elizabeth Green [1942-1995]

Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green

Violinist and violist Elizabeth Green is recognized as one of the most important and highly esteemed teachers of stringed instruments and conducting in America.

Her books are used in classrooms of major universities, and her associations with some of the greatest violinists and conductors in the world put her in high demand as a lecturer.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1983

Arthur Gurwitz

Arthur Gurwitz

Southern Music
San Antonio, TX

Arthur Gurwitz joined Southern Music (San Antonio, TX) in the late 1940s. He expanded the company into publishing and soon the Southern Music catalog became known around the world. Mr. Gurwitz served for many years as President of the company. He was a strong advocate of band music with many of the band world’s best-known composers writing for Southern.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR 1981

James Rogers  [1934-2018]

James Maurice Rogers
James Rogers

Hook’s Drugs
Indianapolis, IN

James Rogers was Vice-President of Public Relations for Hook’s Drugs (Indianapolis, IN) for 26 years. With his leadership, Hook’s Drugs for many years sponsored the trophies for the Indiana State (ISSMA) Marching Contests. He was also responsible for creating the Hook’s Indiana All-State Marching Band which performed for a number of years at the 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis.