Return to Lowell Mason Fellows by Year
2004 Lowell Mason Fellows
David N. Baker Distinguished Professor of Music and Jazz Department Chairman, IN University School of Music – Designated by Bill McFarlin, IAJE Executive Director and Willie L. Hill, Jr., Past-President, MENC
David Nathaniel Baker, Jr. is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana and currently holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Music and Chairman of the Jazz Department at the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and studied with a wide range of master teachers, performers and composers including J.J. Johnson, Janos Starker, and George Russell. He is an award-winning performer/composer/educator who is a Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award nominee, an Emmy Award winner, and the recipient of many honors, including Down Beat magazine’s New Star, Lifetime achievement, and Jazz Education Hall of Fame awards; the National Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame Award; the Indiana Historical Society’s Living Legend Award; the Smithsonian Institution’s James Smithson Medal; and the National Endowment for the Arts American Jazz Masters Award. He is the conductor and artistic director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and has performed and taught all over the world. His compositions total more than 2,000 in number, including jazz, symphonic, and chamber works. His service in music organizations includes the National Council on the Arts, the board of the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Jazz Advisory Panel to the Kennedy Center, and the Jazz/Folk/Ethnic Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts. He is past president of the International Association for Jazz Education, past president of the National Jazz Service Organization, and currently serves as senior consultant for music programs for the Smithsonian Institution. He has more than 65 recordings, 70 books, and 400 articles to his credit.
Col. John R. Bourgeois Director (1979 – 1996), “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band – Designated by Dr. Joseph G. Hebert, Loyola University College of Music
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, Col. 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, he was promoted to his present rank in June 1983. As director of “The President’s Own,” Col. Bourgeois was music advisor to the White House, selecting the musical program and directing the band in its traditional place of honor at the U.S. Capitol for four Presidential inaugurations, and conducting the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, appearing there more frequently than any other musician in the nation. Under his leadership, the Marine Band presented its first overseas performances in history, traveling to the Netherlands in 1985. Col. Bourgeois led the Marine Band in an historic 18-day concert tour of the former Soviet Union as a part of the first U.S.-U.S.S.R. Armed Forces Band Exchange, and directed 19 nationwide tours, bringing the music of “The President’s Own” to the American people. Col. Bourgeois is past president of the American Bandmasters Association, chairman of the board and past president of the National Band Association, president of the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the American vice president of the International Military Music Society, and has served on the board of directors of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles and the Association of Concert Bands. His honors and awards include the 1986 Phi Beta Mu Oustanding Bandmaster Award; the 1987 Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award; the 1993 Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic Medal of Honor; the 1994 Grainger Medallion of the International Percy Grainger Society; the 1996 A.A. Harding Award of the American School Band Directors Association. Most recently, Col. Bourgeois was placed in the National Bandmasters’ Association’s 2001 Hall of Fame. Colonel Bourgeois conducted his final concert as director of “The President’s Own” on July 11, 1996, the band’s 198th birthday, to great critical acclaim and celebration of his Marine Band legacy. In his retirement, he is a guest conductor-clinician, visiting professor at Loyola University New Orleans, and produces wind band arrangements for Wingert-Jones in a series known as “The Bourgeois Edition.”
Robert Earle Buckner Director, Western Carolina University Marching Band – Designated by Dr. John W. Bardo, Chancellor, Western Carolina University
Bob Buckner is currently in his fourteenth year as the Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. A graduate of Western Carolina, Mr. Buckner began his teaching career at Sylva-Webster High School in Sylva, North Carolina, where he produced nationally recognized marching, concert, and jazz bands. During his tenure, the band’s awards included th e National Field Show Championship at the Festival of States in St. Petersburg, FL and the title of “Grand National Champions” at the 1979 Bands of America National Competition. After leaving Sylva-Webster, Mr. Buckner founded a band design and consulting firm. Now in its 26th year, United Music Enterprises continues to create championship marching shows for bands throughout the United States. In addition to his business, Mr. Buckner returned to teaching in 1987 at East Tennessee State University, serving as Director of Bands until 1991 before returning to Western Carolina University to take over the athletic band program. Since then, the “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band has grown from less than ninety members to over three hundred, with performances such as Bands of America Regionals, Atlanta Falcon Football Halftimes, the Bands of America Nationals in 1998 and 2003, and is the only marching band ever selected to perform at the North Carolina Music Educators annual convention. Bob Buckner has served as an adjudicator, drill designer, guest conductor, and clinician throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has served as chairman of the Western North Carolina Bandmasters, secretary of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, and on the Board of Advisors and as Adjudication Committee member for Bands of America, and is affiliated with NCMENC, MENC, CBDNA, the NC Bandmasters Association, and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. In 2003 he was chosen for the Paul A. Reid Distinguished Service Award for faculty at Western Carolina. 
Nora G. Burridge President, PA Music Educators Association – Designated by The Ridley Association of Music Parents, Marcia Mikeska, President, and the Ridley High School Class of 2005
Nora G. Burridge is currently serving a two-year term as president of the 5,000 member Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She has taught choral and classroom music for 37 years, including teaching assignments at Paxon Hollow Junior High, Nether Providence Elementary, Ridley South Junior High School, and Ridley High School, where she taught for 21 years and from which she retired in 2004. Ms. Burridge received her Bachelor’s in Music Education with Honors in 1967 from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s in Music History with Honors in 1976 from Temple University, and has completed extensive postgraduate work through several institutions, including University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Villanova. During her tenure at Ridley High School, Ms. Burridge’s students have toured across the country, singing in New York City, Washington, D.C., Walt Disney World, and on Caribbean cruises. She has served as the Music Department Chair, handling all aspects of the budget, scheduling, and advocacy; founded and edited the Ridley Music Education Newsletter; and founded and advised Chapter 2883 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. In 1997, she was appointed by Superintendent Nicholas Ignatuk to help coordinate K-12 music curriculum based on the National Standards, and to smooth transitions for classroom and performance music from elementary to middle to high school. Additionally, she mentored student teachers in her classroom each year, sharing not only her teaching skills, but also her love for music and music education. Ms. Burridge’s professional affiliations include the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, MENC, ACDA, and IAJE. She has served as president and High School Curriculum and Instruction Chair of PMEA District 12, host of PMEA District 12’s Professional Inservice conference, chair of PMEA’s 2003 and 2004 Inservice Conferences, and coordinator of PA State Capitol concerts during March from 1997-2002. She also gives lectures for music education students at Temple University, instructs at Neumann College, and is an active conductor/director for community music groups.
Michael Davis Executive and Music Director, St. Johns River City Band – Designated by Thomas F. Lee, President, American Federation of Musicians
Having recently retired as the Band and Orchestra director for the Walt Disney World® Resort, Michael Davis is now the Executive Director and Music Director for the St. Johns River City Band, the Official Band of the City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida. He received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, a Masters of Science Degree in Teaching Music from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and completed postgraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison in the Doctoral Program of Curriculum Instruction in Music. Mr. Davis taught high school, middle school, and elementary band, orchestra, and chorus, was Band Director and Percussion Instructor at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and was the Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Mr. Davis conducts honor bands throughout the United States and is a nationally recognized adjudicator and guest lecturer at major colleges and universities on music as a profession and band related subjects. During his tenure with Walt Disney World, he conducted the Walt Disney World Band and Orchestra and appeared on national TV specials as “Major Mike,” and was responsible for the development of educational workshops offered by Disney Magic Music Days and for the show concept, audition process and operational procedures for Disney’s Collegiate All-Star Band and Orchestra ensembles. He conducted the World’s Largest Concert, a nationally televised PBS special celebrating school music, for MENC in 1983, ‘84, ‘98, ‘99, 2000, ‘01, and ‘05. Mr. Davis’ many awards include a Doctor of Music Honaris Causa from VanderCook College of Music; the “Orpheus Award” by Phi Mu Alpha; the Distinguished Service Award from VanderCook College of Music; the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. He is active on the Executive Board of Directors of Bands of America, serves on the Board of Directors for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, is involved in the United Arts Association music performances, and has been inducted as an Associate member of the American Bandmasters Association. Among many other significant accomplishments, he has authored articles in support of arts education and developed teaching techniques for elementary and advanced bands.
Dr. Sharon Dunn Senior Instructional Manager for Arts Education, NY City Department of Education – Designated by Karen Sherry, Sr. Vice President Industry Affairs, ASCAP
Dr. Sharon Dunn is the Senior Instructional Manager for Arts Education at the New York City Department of Education. Dr. Dunn oversees the $67.5 million Project ARTS program, which is implemented across the New York City public school system. The program is designed to enhance and support arts education in the city’s more than 1,300 schools. Dr. Dunn holds a Ph.D. from New York University in Human Development and Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Art and Elementary Education from Brooklyn College. She served 29 years as a teacher and administrator in the New York City public schools prior to joining the City University of New York (CUNY) as Director of Arts and Cultural Partnerships. During her tenure at CUNY, Dr. Dunn created a Cultural Passport program for the students in the CUNY Honors College and for future teachers in the Schools of Education. She was also an adjunct professor at several New York City universities teaching courses on the integration of arts education into the elementary education curriculum. Dr. Dunn’s accomplishments have been recognized by many arts and education organizations, including the New York City Arts-in-Education Roundtable, the New York State School Music Association, the New York City Art Teachers Association, the Eastern Division of MENC, the National Choral Council, and the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, for which she served as president from 2000 through 2003.
Dennis W. Granlie Past President, MT Music Educators Association and MENC Northwest Division – Designated by Larry D. Williams, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District
Dennis Granlie has taught in the Northwest all of his 36 years in music education, teaching in Montana in Lavina, Roundup, Glendive, and Great Falls, where he is currently Supervisor of Music Education for 12,000 students and 32 music teachers. Mr. Granlie received a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Montana College in Billings, a Master’s of Music Education from VanderCook College in Chicago, an Administrative Endorsement from the University of Montana, Missoula, and has completed extensive postgraduate work. Dennis Granlie is a popular clinician and guest conductor at state, division, and national conferences, and directed his high school band as an invited performing group at MENC Northwest Division conferences on three occasions. His Symphonic Band was named top band at the Northwest Band Festival in 1992. He has written many articles for state and national journals, was co-developer of MENC’s “Teacher Success Kit,” and co-author and presenter for the National Federation of High Schools’ Video Adjudicator Training Course. He has been organizing chair of Montana High School Association District Festivals, the Montana All-State Band and All-State Festival, Montana Centennial Band, MMEA annual conferences, MENC All-Northwest Honor Groups, and the MENC Northwest Division Conference. He has been a Montana High School Association Music Committee member since 1993 and the chair since 2001, MENC Northwest Division president from 1997-1999, the Montana Music Educators Association president from 1993-1995, and the Montana Bandmasters Association president from 1986-1988. Mr. Granlie has received numerous honors, including CM Russell High School Teacher of the Year; the Montana Music Educators Association Leadership Award; the National Federation of High Schools’ “Outstanding Music Educator” state award; and the Northwest Division Distinguished Service Award. In 2000, Great Falls, Montana, was noted as one of the “Top 100 Communities for Music Education.”
Paul Heid President, Heid Music Company – Designated by Joe Lamond, President & CEO, NAMM, the International Music Products Association
Paul Heid is president of Heid Music Company, a full-line retail chain, headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Heid Music offers pre-school music programs, Yamaha Music instruction, and private lessons to over 1,200 students per week. Mr. Heid has acted as treasurer and served on the NAMM Board of Directors, being elected as Vice Chairman in 2001. NAMM serves the global music products industry with 7,700 members in 86 countries and has funded groundbreaking music/brain research that has helped to shape world opinion about the intrinsic value of making music. He is also a current member and past president of the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD). Mr. Heid is a member of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Wisconsin Bandmasters Association, Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, and a founding member of the Wisconsin Coalition for Music Education. In 1991, Mr. Heid received the Wisconsin Music Educators Music Industry Award and, in 1996, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association. Locally, he is the Chairman of the Center City Development Committee and a member of Appleton Downtown, Inc., and serves on the board of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Mr. Heid holds a Bachelors degree from Marquette University.
Earl Hurrey Deputy Executive Director, MENC: The National Association for Music Education – Designated by the Hancock Family and The Walt Disney World Company
Earl T. Hurrey, Master Gunnery Sergeant, Retired, was a member of the tuba section of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C., acted as band librarian, and then served as the band’s production manager for nearly 15 years. Upon retirement, he accepted a position with Walt Disney Entertainment in Florida, where he oversaw their education outreach programs, including working with MENC on the World’s Largest Concert when it was filmed at Disney. In 2001, he moved north again to join MENC’s staff, and his commitment to the advancement of music education has become further evident in his tireless work to develop MENC programs such as the Hershey’s All-USA High School Band, the Marine Band “Liberty for All” interactive CD, the “National Anthem Project,” which just launched today, and this Lowell Mason Fellows program. Earl’s work extends beyond MENC to volunteer efforts with national programs and organizations such as the L.J. Hancock Foundation. In the words of Lieutenant Col. Michael J. Colburn, Director of “The President’s Own,” “Earl’s commitment to the highest quality in teaching music is second to none, and his dedication and creativity has proven to be invaluable to the future of our art.” Earl began his musical career in 1975 after graduating from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. His first professional experience was teaching general music and band at Calvert Junior High School in Prince Frederick, MD. While teaching in Maryland, Earl auditioned for the Marine Field Music program and was subsequently accepted for duty. After completing Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC he attended the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, VA. Upon Graduation, Earl was stationed at the Marine Corps Education and Development Command in Quantico, VA where he was soon promoted to Sergeant and performed as Tuba section leader and NCOIC of the Quantico Band’s Combo section. In the Winter of 1979, Earl successfully auditioned for the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in Washington, DC. Early in his Marine Band career, Earl performed with the band’s tuba section and acted as band librarian. In 1983, Earl became the band’s Stage/Production Manager, where he oversaw all of the logistical requirements of one of the oldest and most prestigious musical organizations in the world today. During these years, he oversaw hundred’s of White House ceremonies and performances, 14 national concert tours, 5 European tours and thousands of Marine Band performances around the country and throughout the Washington DC area. Upon retirement from the Marine Band in July of 1997, Earl accepted a position with Guest Ta lent and Education Programs with Walt Disney Entertainment in Orlando, FL. For the next several years Earl performed his duties as Guest Talent Coordinator and eventually as Manager of Guest Talent and Education for Walt Disney Entertainment. In this capacity, he oversaw the education outreach programs of Disney Magic Music Days where school musical groups of all ages were given the opportunity to perform in one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, Earl was responsible for managing the production of several large-scale festival events during his tenure with Walt Disney Entertainment. Earl’s strong commitment to the advancement of music education and his love for the students who benefit from such quality music programs, convinced him to accept the position of Director, Special Memberships with MENC: The National Association for Music Education in February of this 2001. While in this position Earl was instrumental in promoting the association’s Tri-M International Music Honors Society and MENC’s Collegiate programs so they may be recognized as important components of MENC’s overall commitment to music education as a professional way of life. On June 1st of 2001, Earl became the Director of Memberships and Affiliate Relations, where he continued to encourage and promote MENC’s support of quality music education programs in every school in America and the world. In November of 2002 Earl was promoted to Assistant Executive Director for Project Development and Programs. In this capacity, Earl over sees the Special Projects department, which is responsible for directing all programs with outside organizations. Additionally, Earl is responsible for the Public Relations and Marketing department at MENC as well. Through his entire career, Earl has been recognized as a leading advocate of music education and a strong supporter of parents and the very important role of school booster programs. His strategies for successful school fund-raising have assisted many school programs achieve record results for their efforts. These efforts have resulted in numerous awards, none of which were more important then being recognized as a tireless and dedicated band parent during his own children’s school years.
Dr. Robert H. Klotman Past President, MENC North Central Division and Past MENC National President – Designated by Ruth Ann Knapp, Past President, MI Music Educators Association
Dr. Robert H. Klotman, past national president of MENC (1976-1978), is credited with initiating the Government Relations program for MENC, which continues to thrive today. He is well known for his extensive work in string pedagogy, his leadership in professional organizations such as ASTA and MENC, and his teaching at Indiana University. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Klotman received a Bachelor’s in education from Ohio Northern University, a Master’s in music from Western Reserve University, and an Ed.D. in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has taught vocal and instrumental music on all levels, and served as professor of music education at Indiana University from 1969 to 1988, where he was music education chair for 15 years. He has also been director of music in the Akron, Ohio, public schools and Detroit Public Schools. Additionally, he has conducted all-state and honors orchestra performances, school, community, and professional music performances nationally and internationally, and has been a violinist with the Cleveland Philharmonic, the Ballet Russe, and the Sadler Wells Ballet Company. A respected leader, Dr. Klotman has held many positions within MENC and other organizations, including chair of the Teacher Education Commission, 1968-72; president, North Central Division, 1972-74; national president, 1976-78; chair of the Music Educators Hall of Fame, 1996-2002; and president of the American String Teachers Association, 1962-64. He has been a clinician at numerous state, national, and international conventions, has written many books and articles in professional journals, and is composer, editor, and arranger of music for school orchestras. His honors and awards include Outstanding Hoosier Musician, 1986; “Sagamore of the Wabash” (state of Indiana award for distinguished achievement), 1991; distinguished service awards from MENC and ASTA; citations from the National Association of Negro Musicians, the New York Chapter of the Black Music Caucus, and the Children’s Concert Society of Akron, Ohio; and the MENC Hall of Fame, 2004.
Col. Gary F. Lamb Leader and Commander, The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own” – Designated by Gordon M. Slaymaker, President, The U.S. Army Band Alumni Association
Colonel Gary F. Lamb is the seventh commander and conductor of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. He assumed command during a ceremony in Conmy Hall on historic Fort Myer, Virginia, on April 4, 2000. A native of Hardin, Montana, Colonel Lamb is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1971 and a Master of Music degree in performance in 1976. In 1991, Colonel Lamb earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Colonel Lamb is a graduate of the Army War College. His military awards and decorations include two Legion of Merit, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, a NATO Medal, and others. From 1967 to 1969 Colonel Lamb served an enlisted tour in the Quartermaster Corps of the Army culminating with an assignment in Seoul, Korea. Prior to returning to the Army, he was a public school teacher of choral music in the middle and high schools of McCook, Nebraska; sang leading roles as an operatic tenor; and served as Musical Director of the Nebraska Repertory Theater in Lincoln. In 1976 he auditioned for the Army’s Band Officer program and was selected as the Training Officer at the Army Element School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, and in 1978 assumed command of the Army Ground Forces Band at U.S. Army Forces Command headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the next two decades he served as Director of the Soldier’s Chorus at the U.S. Army Field Band at Fort Meade, Maryland; Staff Bands Officer for the U.S. Army, Europe; Executive Officer at the U.S. Army, Europe, Band and Chorus in Heidelberg, Germany; director of The Army Chorale at The U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C.; director of The Army Chorus; commander of the U.S. Army, Europe, Band and Chorus; and with the Department of Army Staff Bands Office in Washington, D.C. In 2000 he became the commander of the Army’s premier musical organization. Colonel Lamb has performed at numerous international, national, and state events, and serves as a clinician, conducts honor bands and adjudicates music festivals and contests. In March 2001, Colonel Lamb was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association, the professional association of master conductors and musicians.
Joe Lamond President & CEO, NAMM, the International Music Products Association – Designated by Bob and Laura Bergin, Rhythm Band Instruments
Joe Lamond is President and Chief Executive Officer of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, the not-for-profit association that represents the interests of approximately 8,000 Member retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of musical instruments and products throughout the world. Lamond joined NAMM in 1998 as Director of Market Development, where he was responsible for implementing NAMM’s mission to create more music makers worldwide. During this time, he launched and managed a number of innovative programs, including Sesame Street Music Works, a joint initiative with Sesame Workshop that focuses on music making among children, and the development of the “Einstein Advocacy Kit,” an informational toolkit that brings exciting music/brain research to communities working to save local music programs. A leading advocate for music in schools, Lamond was instrumental in drafting Congressional Resolution HR 266 in support of music education. Under his leadership, NAMM partnered with Yamaha Corporation to produce “The 2003 NAMM Concert Honoring Sir Elton John: A Benefit for Music Education,” presented by Yamaha, which raised $330,000 for music education. Also in 2003, NAMM launched two Web-based initiatives: themusicedge.com, a program encouraging teens to make music, and SupportMusic.com, a program dedicated to positively impacting grassroots resolve and inspiring action by parents and educators to support music education nationwide. A native of East Aurora, New York, Lamond graduated from Sate University of New York (SUNY) Morrisville with an associate’s degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining NAMM, Lamond served as Executive Vice President of Skip’s Music, Inc. in Sacramento, California. Lamond’s own belief in the proven benefits of making music came from his many years spent as a recording artist, touring musician (drummer) and production manager for many renowned artists.
Colleen B. Ramshur Choral Director, West Feliciana High School, St. Francisville, LA – Designated by The Community of St. Francisville & West Feliciana Parish Schools
Colleen B. Ramshur has been a music teacher and choral director for forty years, the last twenty-six of them at West Feliciana High School in rural St. Francisville, Louisiana. A native of Baton Rouge, Mrs. Ramshur received her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Louisiana State University in 1962, followed by a Master’s degree in 1969, and extensive postgraduate studies. During her years as a student and as a music educator, Mrs. Ramshur has been honored with numerous awards, including recognition in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and Outstanding Young Women of America, Louisiana’s Outstanding Teacher and Young Educator, Outstanding Young Educator – East Baton Rouge, Glen Oaks High School Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Secondary Educators, West Feliciana Parish Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Louisiana Teacher of the Year – Regional Winner, and West Feliciana High School Outstanding Teacher. As a long time MENC and LMEA member, Colleen Ramshur ensures that her students have the opportunity to participate in the Louisiana Music Educators Association’s Solo and Ensemble Festival and the District IV LMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, where her choir members consistently receive superior rankings. She is particularly aware of the need for music advocacy and recruitment, and for twenty-six years has coordinated an annual talent show for students from the elementary through high school grades. It is a rare opportunity for students in a rural setting to showcase their talent, and creates a recruitment tool through which she and the other teachers can encourage the children to continue their music studies through high school. Mrs. Ramshur is an active professional musician in her community, and generously gives of her time and talent as music director at the United Methodist Church, and through many other churches in the area. 
Dr. Carroll A. Rinehart Past President, AZ Music Educators Association and MENC Western Division – Designated by Bob Bergin, Rhythm Band Instruments
Dr. Carroll A. Rinehart’s highly successful career in music education actually began when he was only twelve, teaching music in the one room Miracle School in Ohio, and later often covering high school music classes when teachers were absent and no substitute available. From this early beginning, he went on to receive a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ashland College, a Master’s from Ohio State University, and to complete graduate work at the University of Arizona and the University of Southern California. In over 55 years as a musician-educator, Dr. Rinehart has taught band, orchestra, chorus, general music, and music supervision at all age levels, from pre-school through higher education. He has served as Coordinator of Elementary Music for the Tucson Unified School District and principal of Miles Exploratory Learning Center, taught at the University of Arizona School of Music, and taught music via television when KUAT was jointly licensed to the University of Arizona and the Tucson Unified School District. A respected writer and composer, Dr. Rinehart has written many articles on music education; served as editor of MENC’s “Composing and Arranging: Standard 4 Benchmarks”; composed numerous works and collections of songs for children; and worked with Macmillan on the “Spectrum of Music” textbook series. Additionally, he designed the first practice module now manufactured by Wenger, Corp. and the Caroler instrument manufactured by Rhythm Band Instruments, and has served as consultant to OPERA America. Dr. Rinehart’s professional affiliations include the Arizona Music Educators Association, the Arizona Alliance for Arts Education, and the Tucson Commission on Arts and Culture. He is past president of MENC’s Western Division. His awards and recognitions include Arizona Music Educator of the Year and Distinguished Service Award; Arizona Governor’s first Arts Award for Arts Education; Tucson Mayor’s first Artist of the Year; Lifetime Achievement Award, Arizona Department of Education; and the Tucson Metropolitan Education Commission’s Crystal Apple Award. Dr. Rinehart was identified by the Arizona Daily Star as one of 22 who have shaped the arts in Tucson.
Fred Rogers Awarded Posthumously – accepted on behalf of Family Communications, Inc. by David Newell, a.k.a “Mr. McFeely,” or Speedy Delivery “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” – Musician, Entertainer, Educator – Designated by The Staff & Families of The Children’s School, Carnegie Mellon University
Fred McFeely Rogers was born in 1928 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Rogers earned his bachelor’s degree in music composition at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in 1951. Immediately upon graduation, he was hired by NBC television in New York as an assistant producer for The Voice of Firestone and later as floor director for The Lucky Strike Hit Parade, The Kate Smith Hour, and the NBC Opera Theatre. In November 1953, Rogers moved back to Pennsylvania to develop WQED Pittsburgh ’s first program schedule. One of the first programs he produced was THE CHILDREN’S CORNER, for which he served as puppeteer, composer, and organist. Rogers attended both the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Child Development. He graduated from the Seminary and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1963 with a charge to continue his work with children and families through the mass media. Later that year, Rogers created a program for the CBC in Canada, dubbed MISTEROGERS, on which he made his on-camera debut as the program’s host. When he returned to Pittsburgh in 1966, he incorporated segments of the CBC into a new series called MISTEROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD. Fred Rogers was the composer and lyricist of over 200 songs, the author of numerous books for children, and the author of many books for adults. He received more than 40 honorary degrees from colleges and universities, and in 1968 was appointed Chairman of the Forum on Mass Media and Child Development of the White House Conference on Youth. Fred Rogers received numerous prestigious awards, was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999, and was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2002. Rogers was chairman of Family Communications, Inc., the nonprofit company that he formed in 1971 to produce MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD and that has since diversified into non-broadcast materials that reflect the same philosophy and purpose: to encourage the healthy emotional growth of children and their families. Fred Rogers died on February 27, 2003 at his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife Joanne Rogers, their two sons and two grandsons.
Renee Westlake Past President, MT Music Educators Association, President, MENC Northwest Division – Designated by Larry D. Williams, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District
Renee Westlake currently serves as Music Supervisor for the Bozeman, Montana, Public Schools, where she oversees teachers, staff, program evaluation and interpretation, as well as working in the areas of advocacy, interscholastic activities, audience and performance development, and facilitation and development of curriculum and instruction. Prior to becoming Music Supervisor, Ms. Westlake taught band, theory, general music, and choir, and led percussion, recorder, flute and jazz ensembles in the Bozeman Public Schools. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Honors and a Master of Music Education from Montana State University, an Administrative Endorsement from the University of Montana, Level I Orff Certification from the University of Oregon, and has completed additional studies in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, conducting, flute, and World Drumming. Ms. Westlake is affiliated with many organizations, including MENC, for which she currently holds the position of Northwest Division President; the National Bandmasters Association; the Montana Music Educators Association, for which she is past president; the Montana Bandmasters Association; the National Education Association; and the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has been a conductor at the Montana Southwest High School Band Invitational, adjudicated state and local music festivals, and is founder and coordinator of the Bozeman High School flute Choir. An active musician, Ms. Westlake continues to perform with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Bozeman Flute & Harp Ensemble, and is a private flute instructor. Renee Westlake has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s “Regional Educator of the Year;” the Music Educators Journal “Top Teachers in the 50 States” recognition; National Public Radio’s “Excellence in Teaching Award;” Montana Music Educators Association State Leadership Award; and the “Outstanding Young Women of America Award.”
Larry D. Williams Superintendent of Schools, Sioux City Community School District, Sioux City, IA – Designated by Lynn Brinckmeyer, MENC National President-Elect; Betty Ellis, Past President, MENC Northwest Division; Renee Westlake, President, MENC Northwest Division
Larry D. Williams has been Superintendent of Schools for the Sioux City Community School District in Sioux City, Iowa, since 1999. He oversees the education of more than 14,000 students and the activities of the 1,800 faculty and staff in 30 school sites. He has thirty years of experience as a school leader and administrator, and more than thirty-five years of experience as a professional educator. He is also a proficient and still-practicing conductor and singer. Mr. Williams began teaching music in a small community in Montana after receiving his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and pursuing graduate work in music at both Brown University and Rutgers University. His graduate work in education was primarily at the University of Montana, from which he was awarded its first Distinguished Alumni Award through the School of Fine Arts. Before becoming superintendent, Mr. Williams was Music Supervisor in the Great Falls Public Schools. Larry Williams is a noted music and arts educator with respected credentials and recognitions at the state, regional and national level. He has served as chair of the Montana Arts Council for eight years, as chair of the Western States Arts Federation twice, and was appointed by Governor Kempthorne to the Idaho Arts Commission. Mr. Williams has received many awards, including Distinguished Service Awards from both the Montana Music Educators Association and MENC’s Northwest Division, and the Montana Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. The districts in which Mr. Williams has taught or supervised music, and of which he has been superintendent, have consistently demonstrated exemplary teaching and curricula in the arts, and performance groups have been outstanding in band, jazz, chorus and orchestra. Many of the former students, and teachers with whom he has worked closely, have become highly regarded music educators, administrators and music leaders in their own right.
