Tag Archives: Music Teachers

Music teacher Lorene Cuthberton Harrison: An Alaskan Territory pioneer

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Lorene Cuthberton Harrison was a pioneering music teacher and singer in Alaska Territory. Photo Credit: Alaska History

I love to share stories of courageous teachers who have earned a name for themselves as intrepid pioneers. One such teacher is Lorene Cuthberton Harrison, a music teacher and singer who ventured to Alaska while it was still a territory.

Lorene Cuthberton was born in March 7, 1905, in Sterling, Kansas. After her high school graduation in 1922, she enrolled in Sterling College in Kansas, where she majored in Home Economics. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and her teaching certificate in 1928. She was 23 years old.

The same year she graduated, this pioneering lady traveled to Alaska Territory, where she became the first music teacher in Anchorage schools. She also taught courses in home economics, general science, and geography. When she arrived, Anchorage had only 2,500 residents and the high school had only six teachers. Her salary was $180 a month, compared to the $60 per month that her friends were paid as teachers in Kansas.

Two years after her arrival, the pioneer educator married Jack Harrison, a local railroad engineer. The couple had two daughters. While raising her children, Lorene continued to teach music and theater. She also continued to sing for others, performing at private and public events such as weddings and funerals. When World War II erupted, Lorene worked for the United Service Organizations (USO).

After her beloved husband passed away in 1968, Lorene opened her own boutique which she called Hat Box. The store sold clothing and hats that she personally designed. The former teacher ran her store for 30 years. She also launched herself into various cultural activities in Anchorage. She organized the United Choir of All Faiths, which was the forerunner of the Anchorage Community Chorus; she served as the first president of the Anchorage Concert Association; she was on the founding boards of the Anchorage Arts Council, the Anchorage Civic Opera, and the Anchorage Little Theatre, and she served as the director of the First Presbyterian Church Choir for 29 years.

This amazing Chalkboard Champion passed away at the age of 100 in 2005 in Anchorage, Alaska, and was interred in the pioneer tract of the Anchorage Memorial Park. In 2009, Lorene Harrison was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame. You can read more about this intrepid lady at the link AlaskaHistory.org. You can also purchase Mostly Music: The Biography of Alaskan Cultural Pioneer Lorene Harrison, which can be found on amazon.com.

Music Educators lead their student performers in the 2024 Rose Parade

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My last two posts have been a tribute to music educators who have led their student musicians in the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade held on January 1, 2024. Here is Part 3 of a multi-day series that features some of these accomplished music educators.

Niceville Eagle Pride Marching Band: Niceville, Florida

The Niceville High School Eagle Pride Marching Band, led by Director of Bands Dan Wooten, traveled from the panhandle of Florida to represent their state in this year’s parade. This is the third appearance the 300-member Niceville Marching Band has made in the Rose Parade under Dan’s leadership.

Director of Bands Dan Wooten led his students from Niceville High School in Niceville, Florida, in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Emerald Coast Magazine

Dan has worked as a music educator for more than four decades, and he has taught at Niceville since 2003. In addition to his work in the classroom, he has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, the Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble, the Cincinnati Community Orchestra, the Pensacola Opera Orchestra, and the Pensacola Symphony. He has been a guest conductor and clinician nationwide and is sought after as a consultant for both marching and concert Bands.

For his work with students, Dan has earned many accolades. In 2016, he was named to the Legion of Honor by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He has also been awarded the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence and Niceville High School Teacher of the Year.

Pulaski High School Marching Band: Pulaski, Wisconsin

The Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade under the guidance of Director of Bands D. Thomas Busch. This is the fourth appearance the Wisconsin school band—which boasts 260 members—has appeared in the Rose Parade. They previously appeared in 2007, 2012, and 2017.

D. Thomas Busch, Director of Bands for the Pulaski High School Red Raiders Marching Band, led his music students in the 135th Rose Parade on January 1, 2024. Photo credit: Pulaski Community School District

The Red Raiders have a reputation as a high stepping marching band that uses choreography, chant, and singing related to the music they are performing. They use a variety of steps, including glide, kick, power, dance, spin, Latin, and wedding, in their routines.

In a career that spans more than 33 years, D. Thomas Busch has been a music educator at Pulaski since 1994. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, in 1990. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2004.

This Chalkboard Champion has earned several awards for his work with students. He garnered a Herb Kohl Fellowship in 1992 and was named a Teacher of Distinction for the Golden Apple Award Program in 2004.

William Mason High School Marching Band: Mason, Ohio

Marching Band Director Jason Sleppy led his 300-member Mason High School Comets Marching Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. This is the group’s second appearance in the prestigious parade; their first was in 2016.

The Mason Band program has garnered many accolades for their performances. They garnered both the Sudler Flag of Honor and the Sudler Shield from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The group has earned six consecutive Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Finals appearances; five BOA Regional Championships, and they marched in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Mason High School Marching Band Director Jason Sleppy led his students in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Jason Sleppy

Jason Sleppy has worked as a music educator at Mason High School since 2018. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where. he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2008.

In 2004, Jason performed in the snareline with the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps. In addition, Jason was recognized nationally as part of the “Yamaha 40 Under 40 Music Education Advocacy Program.” The honor was bestowed for his efforts to provide students with opportunities to safely perform during the pandemic.

 

More music educators lead students in the 2024 Rose Parade

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As I wrote yesterday, one of my favorite events of the year is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The event takes place every year on the morning of January 1. This exciting parade is televised live from the city where I was born: Pasadena, California. Everything about the parade is exciting: the flower-covered floats, the sprightly equestrian units, the celebrity appearances, and the spectacular marching bands. This year, the parade theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Every year when I watch this parade on television, the dedication of our nation’s talented music educators always amazes me. Here is Part 2 of a multi-day series that features these accomplished music educators.

Na Koa Ali’i Hawaii All-State Marching Band: Hawaii

The Na Koa Ali’i Hawaii All-State Marching Band appears in the 2024 Rose Parade under the leadership of Director of Bands John Riggle.

The Na Koa Ali’i Hawaii All-State Marching Band led by Director of Bands John Riggle appeared in yesterday’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Mr. Riggle, a native of California, attended San Jose State University, where he received both his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree in Music Education.

Director of Bands John Riggle led the Na Koa Ali’i Hawaii All-State Marching Band Photo credit: Hawaii All State Marching Band

Following his college graduation, John inaugurated his career as a teacher and band director at Sunnyvale High School in the Fremont Union High School district in Fremont, California. He worked there from 1969  to 1977. During these years, the band flourished into one of the top-ranked marching bands of Northern California. John continued his career as a music educator in Hawaiian schools in 1977. He taught at the Kapalama Campus of Kamehameha Schools for 33 years before his retirement in 2009. During his tenure, the school’s band and color guard developed into one of the most renowned and successful Marcin bands in the US.

John Riggle is the founding director of the Na Koa Ali’i Hawaii All State Marching Band. He served as both the Managing and Performance Director roles and has been involved in every tour since 2003.

The Na Koa Ali’i group is comprised of students from each public and private high school that offers an instrumental/band  program throughout the State of Hawaii. The group’s musical repertoire includes Polynesian and Hawaiian Songs performed, in part, on traditional Native Hawaiian instruments. This is the fifth time an All-Hawaii group of student musicians has marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade. They also appeared in 2003, 2009, 2014, 2019. In addition, they have marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade three times, in 2005, 2011, and 2016.

Jenks High School Trojan Pride: Jenks, Oklahoma

The Jenks High School Trojan Pride, under the expert leadership of Director of Bands Scott Hillock, marched in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade.

The 200-member Jenks High School Trojan Pride, under the expert leadership of Director of Bands Scott Hillock, enjoys a national reputation for excellence in music, performing and earning the highest ratings at the most prestigious music contests and festivals across the country. This is the second appearance of the groupie the Tournament of Roses, the first was eight years ago.

Director of Bands Scott Hillock directs his student musicians in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Jenks High School

Scott Hillock learned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from Southern Methodist University, where he was named the Outstanding Graduate Student for the Meadows School of the Arts.

Scott has earned many accolades as a music educator. In 1996, he was chosen as the Southwestern Oklahoma Band Directors Association Director of the Year and the Blanchard Teacher of the Year.  In 1997, he was chosen as ASBDA Young Band Director of the Year for the State of Oklahoma, and in 1999, he received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Directors Association.  In 2002, Scott was selected as Runner-Up for the VFW’s Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and in 2006, the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Director of the Year. More recently, Scott was named as an Exemplary Teacher by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association in 2015 and a Jenks Public Schools Vision of Excellence Recipient in 2016. He stays active as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the state, and is currently serving as Executive Secretary for the North Central Directors Association.

Westlake High School Chaparral Band: Austin, Texas

The Westlake High School Chaparral Marching Band under the leadership of Kerry Taylor performed in the 2024 Rose Parade.

The Westlake High School Chaparral Band from Austin, Texas, under the capable leadership of Director of Bands Kerry Taylor marched in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade this year. Since its founding in 1969 with just 30 members, the band has grown to over 200 students and has consistently excelled in regional and super-regional marching competitions. They’ve appeared at 15 Texas UIL State Marching contests, most recently in 2021, where they ranked tenth in the largest high school classification.

Director of Bands Kerry Taylor led his student musicians from Westlake High School in their 2024 appearance of the Rose Parade. Photo credit: Westlake High School

Kerry earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and his Master’s degree in Music, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Kerry currently serves as a clinician and adjudicator in Texas and across the US and as the President-Elect for the American Bandmasters Association. He is a Past-President of the Texas Music Educators Association. Throughout his career he has earned many accolades. He has been recognized by the University Interscholastic League with the Sponsor of Excellence Award; by the John Philip Sousa Foundation as a Legion of Honor Laureate; and by the Texas Bandmasters Association with the Meritorious Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Education.

Come back to this website tomorrow to learn about more talented music educators who escorted their students to the 2024 Rose Parade!

 

Champion music educators lead their students in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade

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One of my favorite events of the year is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The event takes place every year on the morning of January 1. This exciting parade is televised live from the city of my birth: Pasadena, California. I love everything about the parade: the flower-festooned floats, the sprightly equestrian units, the celebrity appearances, and the spectacular marching bands. This year, the parade theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Every year when I watch this parade on television, the dedication of our nation’s talented music educators always amazes me. Here is Part 1 of a multi-day series that features these accomplished music educators.

The Bands Of Santiago Sharks “The BOSS”: Corona, CA

I have to start with the BOSS (Bands Of Santiago Sharks) from Corona, California, even though they appeared late in the parade. Why? Santiago High School is a part of the Corona Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), the District where I spent my entire 36-year career as an educator. For me, anything connected with CNUSD is a sentimental favorite.

The Santiago High School Band is popularly known as “The BOSS,” which stands for The Bands Of Santiago Sharks. This spectacular turquoise-and-black-clad Marching Band and Color Guard was led by Director of Bands Joe Dudek. This is the third appearance of the 234-member group in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Previously they marched in the 2013 and the 2018 Rose Parades.

Director of Bands Joe Dudek of Santiago High School in Corona, California, led “The BOSS” in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Santiago High School

Joe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1988 and his Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Conduction in 1996, both from California State University at Fullerton, which also happens to be my alma mater. Joe is a well-respected field show, parade, and concert band adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), and he often serves as a presenter or clinician at music conferences throughout California. Part of his responsibilities in this role includes assigning judges for over 100 festivals in Southern California and for training and mentoring newly appointed judges.

 

 

 

 

Castle High School Marching Knights: Newburgh, Indiana

Music educator Ethan Wilkinson, Director of Bands for Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana, will lead his students in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Ethan Wilkinson

The Castle High School Marching Knights from Newburgh, Indiana, performed in this year’s parade under the capable leadership of Band Director Ethan Wilkinson.

Ethan took over the Castle Band program in 2020. He is a 2019 graduate of Ball State University, where he participated in the marching band program. And he just happens to be a 2015 of the school where he works, Castle High School.

The 200-member Castle Marching Knights has been named the 2017 Bands of America Class 3A National Champion, and they have been twice been named a Bands of America Grand National Finalist. Their success has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the best marching bands in the country.

Albertville High School Aggie Band: Albertville, Alabama

Dr. Taylor Cash, Director of Bands at Albertville High School, led his “Aggie” Band down Colorado Blvd. during the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Dr. Tay,or Cash

Also appearing in this year’s parade was the Albertville High School Aggie Band from Albertville, Alabama, led by Director of Bands Dr. Taylor Cash. This is the third appearance for the 340-member Aggie Band, Color Guard, and Danceline. They group also appeared in the 2011 and the 2018 parades. This amazing group is comprised of 25% of their school’s population. Any student at the school is welcome in the band program, no matter their musical background or ability.

Music educator Taylor Cash earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, magna cum laude, from Jacksonville State University and his Master’s degree in Music Education from Boston University. He earned his PhD in Musical Arts specializing in Wind Conducting from the University of Alabama.

 

 

Return to chalkboardchampions.org tomorrow for the next installment of music educators who  led their students to the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade!

 

 

Music educators lead their students in Macy’s Parade

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Six stellar high school bands from around the country appeared in the Macy’s 97th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thurs., Nov. 23, 2023. These bands were led by capable and accomplished music educators, and in this third in the series we introduce the remaining educators to you.

Director of Bands Steve Rivero, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Hailing from Parkland, Florida, was the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment. This 162-member marching band is recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive high school band programs in the nation. Director of Bands is the talented Steve Rivero. He has taught there since 2019.

Director of Bands at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School led his students in their first-ever appearance in the Macy’s Parade. Photo credit: Steve Rivero

Steve was named a quarter-finalist for the 2020 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. He also garnered honors as the Arts Teacher of the Year for Broward County in 2017, and honored as Teacher of the Year in 2002. He has also garnered the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, and the FBA Oliver Hobbs Award, in recognition of consistent superior band performances and commitment and service to the field of music education. In 2002 he was named Teacher of the Year at Hialeah High School, where he was teaching at the time. Steve earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Miami in 1995.

In addition to his work in public schools, Steve serves our country as the Commander and Conductor of the Florida National Guard’s 13th Army Band. Throughout his 35-year career in the Army Reserve, he has received numerous honors and awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Florida Commendation Medal, and the Guam Commendation Medal.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagles Regiment Marching Band from Parkland, Florida, marched in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: TapInto.net

The Eagles Regiment kicked off 2023 marching in London’s New Year’s Day Parade. In addition to its many awards and accolades over the years, the group has garnered three recent Grand Champion Awards at the Florida Marching Band Regional Championships in 2021, including The Jupiter Festival of Bands, The Lancer Jamboree, and The Falcon Sound Invitational. They are four-time State Champions at the Bands of America Orlando Regionals.

Director of Bands Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds
O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers

Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds led her students from O’Fallon Township High School in the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: Music For All, Inc.

Also appearing in the parade was the 290-member O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers of O’Fallon, Illinois, under the expert leadership of Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds. This is their second appearance in the annual spectacular; their first was in in 1992.

Melissa has been the Director of Bands at O’Fallon for 16 years. In addition to her teaching duties at O’Fallon Township High School, Melissa serves as Music Department Chair and recently served as the President of District VI of the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA). She has also served as a Music for Allnational Festival clinician.

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, graduating with University Honors. She earned her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2000. She completed the requirements for her Doctorate Degree in Teaching and Learning, with an emphasis in music, from the University of Missouri St. Louis in 2010.

The O’Fallon Township High School Marching Band appeared in their second appearance in the  annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: KTLA Channel 5

The talented Director of Bands created a special program for her students’ appearance in this year’s parade. “Our message is about joy to the world. And so we combined Ode to Joy, which everybody knows with Joy To The World. And we spelled out joy at the end using parts of a wreath as the ‘O’ and then a ‘J’ and a ‘Y’ to represent joy to everyone out there on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day,” Melissa explains.

The Marching Panthers garnered awards as the Bands of America Grand Nationals Finalist in 2018. They have appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade three times, the Fiesta Bowl Parade three times, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade twice. They. have also appeared in the Orange Bowl Parade, the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, the Waikiki Thanksgiving Day Parade in Waikiki Hawaii, and the Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade in Disney World, Florida.