WAYMON BULLOCK-2013 inductee
Waymon Bullock was born on May 27, 1936 in Homer, Texas, to Leamon and Carnie Bullock. He received his public school education in Lufkin, where he studied instrumental music. After graduating from Lufkin high school in 1954, he attended Lamar University where he studied trombone. His first teaching experience was in Dibol where he taught for three years. He then moved to Dayton Texas for four years and in 1964 he returned to Lufkin. He taught in Lufkin for twenty-two years, first serving as junior high band director, and then as high school band director. During those year, Waymon completed a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University where he also earned his public school administrator’s certification. The Lufkin high school Band was selected to represent Texas as the Honor Band at the Four States Bandmaster Association in 1982. While in Lufkin, Waymon’s band received twenty UIL Sweepstakes Awards/ His marching bands were at the forefront in developing the present military style drill used by many of today’s East Texas Bands. Waymon retired from his teaching career in 1987, when he was granted disability retirement from full-time teaching after suffering a school-related accident in 1984. Sometime in the late 70’s or 80’s, an election was held in the “State of the Tall Pines” and Waymon was elected “Band Czar”. His duties were to oversee the bands, and serve as a mentor to young band directors. During these years he helped many schools solve problems because of band director shortages; serving Garrison in 1993, Huntington in 1998, and Hemphill in 2000. Waymon taught Brass Methods classes at Stephen F. Austin, and is presently acting as consultant to the Nacogdoches band program. He continues to be sought after in the area of music as a consultant, clinician, and adjudicator throughout Texas and surrounding States. Waymon was the Executive Secretary for Region 21, and has been an area UIL marching contest director since its formation by the League. He also was the Executive Secretary of the National Association of Military Marching Bands, which he was one of the founding fathers. In 1994, Waymon was inducted into the Stephen F. Austin Band Director Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was awarded the Lifetime meritorious Achievement Award by the Texas Bandmaster Association. He is past president of the National Association of Military Marching Bands, past President of Texas Bandmaster Association., charter member of Texas Music Adjudicators Association and a member of TMEA and Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Fraternity.
As most of us are aware of, Waymon Bullock passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Waymon was the past Executive Secretary of the National Association of Military Marching Bands, Band Master of the Year, UIL Exec. Secretary of Region 21, member of the Hall of Fame for Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin and former President of Texas Bandmasters Assoc. More than anything else he was an educator, mentor, friend, and role model. Each moment he was around someone he was teaching. It might be about marching band, concert band or life in general. He was the ultimate teacher in music as well as life. He strived to always be honest and expected everyone else to be honest and show integrity in everything that they said and did. He raised the bar for everyone he was around. He was a father/grandfather figure to band directors across the state with ideas ranging from the technical aspects of band to pride in yourself and the goals you wished to achieve. His many, many awards were not goals but rather mile markers to prepare his students for their lives ahead. He traveled through life as source of knowledge that he always was willing to share. At one of our NAMMB “stump burnings” I told a young director to find Waymon and visit with him. After a 2 ½ hour conversation, he came to me and thanked me for introducing him to Mr. Bullock and them commented that he knew why I had him to visit with him. To quote him “He (Mr. Bullock) knew more than he could ever learn in a lifetime.” Mr. Bullock would acknowledge the young director as well as being close friends with some of great composers and directors. He grew McBeth (Frances McBeth) okra in his garden and once asked me if I wanted to meet Alfred Reed at a TBA convention. I responded that I thought Alfred Reed was dead, and he said he’s right there in that funny hat. His feelings toward everyone was the same – a respectful, a personal interest along with a warm East Texas Welcome.
Mr. Bullock was Past Exec. Sec. for NAMMB until 2009. In 2013, Mr. Bullock and Hubert “Butch” Almany were the first inductees into the NAMMB Hall of Fame. He will greatly be missed by the many past band members, directors and friends. When we lost Mr. Waymon Bullock, we lost a man of honesty, integrity, knowledge and a wonderful friend. He will surely be missed by all.
Hubert “Butch” Almany-2013 INDUCTEE
Hubert A. “Butch” Almany was born June 7, 1942 to Earl and Annie Almany in Reeves Louisiana. The Almany’s moved from Louisiana to Nacogdoches Texas, in 1948 where Butch’s dad went to work in an oak flooring factory and Butch and his siblings started school. Butch graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1960. He received his B.S. from Stephen F. Austin in 1965 and his MeD in 1968. It should be noted that Butch was on the Dean’s list several times.
The Best day in Butch’s life was forty eight years ago, May 24, 1965 when he married Naomi. She wouldn’t marry him until he graduated, so he graduated on a Friday night and they married on Saturday morning. Naomi was the business manager for the Crockett and Lindale school district until her retirement in 1995.
Butch’s teaching experience were in Shelbyville for 1 year, Overton for 2 years, Crockett for 8 years and Lindale for 24 years. His Lindale bands received 20 U.I.L. sweepstakes awards from 1975 to 1995. They were also consistent Region T.M.E.A. Honor Band recipients from 1978 to 1995. The Lindale band placed in the top 5 in 3A State honor Band competition in 1986, 1990 and 1994. The Lindale band was selected to lead the Texas Inaugural Parade when George W. Bush became governor in 1995. The band also performed for George Bush, Sr. during his presidency.
Butch was instrumental in establishing the National Association of Military Marching Band Association being one of the charter members. He has held office and served on the board if this organization since its origin. He has been a member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association and has served as president. Stephen F. Austin State University has bestowed many awards to Butch Almany. In 1988 he was inducted into the S.F.A. “Band Director’s Hall of Fame”, in 1990 he received the S.F.A. “Distinguished Alumnus Award and in 1993 he received the S.F.A. “Outstanding Music Alumnus Award.” In 2002 Butch received the “Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award” from the Texas Bandmasters Association and in 2008 received the “Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmaster Hall of Fame Award”.
The Best day in Butch’s life was forty eight years ago, May 24, 1965 when he married Naomi. She wouldn’t marry him until he graduated, so he graduated on a Friday night and they married on Saturday morning. Naomi was the business manager for the Crockett and Lindale school district until her retirement in 1995.
Butch’s teaching experience were in Shelbyville for 1 year, Overton for 2 years, Crockett for 8 years and Lindale for 24 years. His Lindale bands received 20 U.I.L. sweepstakes awards from 1975 to 1995. They were also consistent Region T.M.E.A. Honor Band recipients from 1978 to 1995. The Lindale band placed in the top 5 in 3A State honor Band competition in 1986, 1990 and 1994. The Lindale band was selected to lead the Texas Inaugural Parade when George W. Bush became governor in 1995. The band also performed for George Bush, Sr. during his presidency.
Butch was instrumental in establishing the National Association of Military Marching Band Association being one of the charter members. He has held office and served on the board if this organization since its origin. He has been a member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association and has served as president. Stephen F. Austin State University has bestowed many awards to Butch Almany. In 1988 he was inducted into the S.F.A. “Band Director’s Hall of Fame”, in 1990 he received the S.F.A. “Distinguished Alumnus Award and in 1993 he received the S.F.A. “Outstanding Music Alumnus Award.” In 2002 Butch received the “Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award” from the Texas Bandmasters Association and in 2008 received the “Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmaster Hall of Fame Award”.
Don lawler-2015 INDUCTEE
Don Lawler was selected for the Texas All-State Band 3 times before graduating from Spring Hill High School in 1958. He was a percussionist in the Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University Bands while completing bachelors and masters degrees in business and music education.
After completing 4 years of performing in US Air Force Bands, he began teaching in the Longview School District in 1967. He directed Middle School and High School Bands in the Longview, Pine Tree, Spring Hill, and Kilgore School Districts until his retirement in 1995. For the past 21 years he has been a percussion instructor for Spring Hill and Pine Tree ISD students, and has assisted band directors in the Longview area.
Mr. Lawler was a faculty member and administrator of Summer Band Camps at Stephen F. Austin University for 25 years. In 1968, he and James Snowden organized the Longview Symphony Orchestra. He was principal percussionist and business manager for 10 years. In 1982, he was asked to be the Region 4 UIL Music Contest Director, and is completing 35 years in that position, directing UIL competitions for Middle School and High School Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras in Region 4. He is a charter member of the East Teas Symphonic Band and continues to lead the percussion section during the band’s 29th season.
Mr. Lawler is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He has been inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame, SFA Band Directors Hall of Fame, and has been named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Spring Hill ISD Education Foundation.
Mr. Lawler was a founding member of NAMMB, serving as Secretary-Treasurer with the first group of officers, and presently serves on the Executive Board. He and his wife, Mary, a retired orchestra director, live in Longview, and sing with the East Texas Community Chorus.
After completing 4 years of performing in US Air Force Bands, he began teaching in the Longview School District in 1967. He directed Middle School and High School Bands in the Longview, Pine Tree, Spring Hill, and Kilgore School Districts until his retirement in 1995. For the past 21 years he has been a percussion instructor for Spring Hill and Pine Tree ISD students, and has assisted band directors in the Longview area.
Mr. Lawler was a faculty member and administrator of Summer Band Camps at Stephen F. Austin University for 25 years. In 1968, he and James Snowden organized the Longview Symphony Orchestra. He was principal percussionist and business manager for 10 years. In 1982, he was asked to be the Region 4 UIL Music Contest Director, and is completing 35 years in that position, directing UIL competitions for Middle School and High School Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras in Region 4. He is a charter member of the East Teas Symphonic Band and continues to lead the percussion section during the band’s 29th season.
Mr. Lawler is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He has been inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame, SFA Band Directors Hall of Fame, and has been named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Spring Hill ISD Education Foundation.
Mr. Lawler was a founding member of NAMMB, serving as Secretary-Treasurer with the first group of officers, and presently serves on the Executive Board. He and his wife, Mary, a retired orchestra director, live in Longview, and sing with the East Texas Community Chorus.
Blanton mcdonald-2015 INDUCTEE
Blanton McDonald was born April 27, 1927 in Livingston, Texas. His parents moved to the east Texas oil field during the early thirties. All six McDonald children were encouraged to take instrumental music and were in bands at Rock Mountain and London school districts. All attended college with two receiving degrees in music, two in engineering, and one in architecture.
Blanton began his career in music at Rocky Mountain ISD with private lessons on the violin. Blanton graduated from London High School in New London, Texas in 1945. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy for one year at the close of World War II. Upon release from his service duties, he entered VanderCook School of Muisc in Chicago. During these years, he was featured a number of times as a soloist with the VanderCook Band, local high school bands, and the Business Men’s Symphony of Chicago. Blanton graduated from VanderCook in 1950 and moved back to east Texas to take his first band director’s position in Royce City. After serving a second assignment in Plano, Blanton accepted the band director’s job in Center in 1955 and decided to enroll in a Master’s degree program at Stephen F. Austin State University due to its close proximity to Center.
After completing his Master’s degree in music, Blanton taught in several communities in east Texas including Daingerfield, Mt. Pleasant, and Kilgore. In 1968, Blanton accepted the band director’s position in Nederland. Following nineteen years of teaching there, he retired with a total of thirty-six years of service to the band profession. In the course of this long career, his bands garnered 32 First Divisions in UIL Concert and 28 First Divisions in UIL Marching. On six occasions, Blanton’s bands were selected as TMEA Region Honor Band; they were rated First Divisions at Six Flags Over Texas for 8 years and compiled a 5 year record of First Divisions at the Buccaneer Music Festival and were runners up in AAAA Concert Competition at Buccaneer.
Blanton “Mac” McDonald is another one of the great “legends” in East Texas and is held in the highest regard by his peers for his expertise in the profession of band directing. His high moral standards and strong ambition to “do things right” the first time; to be honest and sincere in his dealings with people, and to exemplify good citizenship at all times, have led many of his former students into the band profession. He has been active in the National Association of Military Marching Bands since its formation in 1979. He served as President of this organization for two years. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu International Fraternity and is a member of his local Masonic Lodge.
Blanton retired in 1986 and resides with his wife, Barbara, at Toledo Bend Lake, near the small community of Burkeville, Texas. His family includes son Johnny McDonald, and daughter, Debbie Hatton
Blanton began his career in music at Rocky Mountain ISD with private lessons on the violin. Blanton graduated from London High School in New London, Texas in 1945. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy for one year at the close of World War II. Upon release from his service duties, he entered VanderCook School of Muisc in Chicago. During these years, he was featured a number of times as a soloist with the VanderCook Band, local high school bands, and the Business Men’s Symphony of Chicago. Blanton graduated from VanderCook in 1950 and moved back to east Texas to take his first band director’s position in Royce City. After serving a second assignment in Plano, Blanton accepted the band director’s job in Center in 1955 and decided to enroll in a Master’s degree program at Stephen F. Austin State University due to its close proximity to Center.
After completing his Master’s degree in music, Blanton taught in several communities in east Texas including Daingerfield, Mt. Pleasant, and Kilgore. In 1968, Blanton accepted the band director’s position in Nederland. Following nineteen years of teaching there, he retired with a total of thirty-six years of service to the band profession. In the course of this long career, his bands garnered 32 First Divisions in UIL Concert and 28 First Divisions in UIL Marching. On six occasions, Blanton’s bands were selected as TMEA Region Honor Band; they were rated First Divisions at Six Flags Over Texas for 8 years and compiled a 5 year record of First Divisions at the Buccaneer Music Festival and were runners up in AAAA Concert Competition at Buccaneer.
Blanton “Mac” McDonald is another one of the great “legends” in East Texas and is held in the highest regard by his peers for his expertise in the profession of band directing. His high moral standards and strong ambition to “do things right” the first time; to be honest and sincere in his dealings with people, and to exemplify good citizenship at all times, have led many of his former students into the band profession. He has been active in the National Association of Military Marching Bands since its formation in 1979. He served as President of this organization for two years. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu International Fraternity and is a member of his local Masonic Lodge.
Blanton retired in 1986 and resides with his wife, Barbara, at Toledo Bend Lake, near the small community of Burkeville, Texas. His family includes son Johnny McDonald, and daughter, Debbie Hatton
Dr. Barry W. Johnson- 2017 Inductee
Dr. Barry Wayne Johnson was born in New Braunfels, Texas, August 28, 1943. Parents Howard and Marie Johnson lived in Bastrop County. A few years later, the family moved to Luling, Texas, where Howard and Marie were in the grocery business for twenty-five years. Growing up in a grocery store, Barry Wayne learned the lessons and benefits of hard work at an early age. As a youngster, Barry Wayne spent many hours stocking shelves, working in the meat market, and delivering groceries. Howard was an amateur musician playing the “fiddle,” guitar, and mandolin primarily by ear. As long as Barry Wayne can remember, his parents always said that he would be going to college in order to have a better life than they had. In fact, Howard and Marie bought Series E War Bonds to finance Barry Wayne’s college education. Interestingly, the War Bonds were not used for that purpose. They matured and were cashed several years after the death of Howard and Marie.
Barry Wayne attended Luling public schools throughout his public school education. In the second grade, he began piano lessons. As the piano lessons evolved, he added Hammond organ lessons. At age 11, Barry Wayne was playing piano in local churches. Throughout his public school days and into his early professional career, Johnson played piano and organ in various churches. In the fifth grade, band was offered and Johnson chose to play cornet. The Luling band director at that time was Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, A.J. “Tony” Fassino. That particular year was Mr. Fassino’s last year in Luling before moving to Industrial High School. Johnson remembers the fundamentals of band instruction received during this initial year of band. Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Ernest Clark followed Fassino as band director in Luling. Mr. Clark’s three year tenure in Luling was during Johnson’s sixth through eighth grade years. Johnson credits his sound foundation in music to the instruction received through piano and organ study as well as the instruction received from these two outstanding musicians and teachers. Johnson remembers very well performing the solo, “The Little Monarch,” at solo and ensemble contest in the seventh grade for the judge, Mr. Fassino. The first division medal he received as a result of that performance continues to have special significance. Additional public school band directors included James Banks and Charles Musch.
In the fall of 1961, Johnson enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University where he played trumpet in the Cowboy Band directed by Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, “Prof” McClure. In 1962 Johnson transferred to Sam Houston State University where he studied trumpet with F. A. “Mickey” Tull and Kit Reid. Johnson also played in the band conducted by Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Dr. Ralph L. Mills. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in 1965, Johnson received a graduate assistantship in music theory. Master’s degree study included theory and analysis classes primarily with Dr. Tull. His Master of Arts degree was completed in 1966.
Johnson’s first teaching job was in the music department at Texarkana College where he taught several music courses and directed the band. After three years at Texarkana, Johnson became the assistant band director at Highland Park High School, working with Robert M. “Bob” Jordan. During this time, Johnson attended North Texas State University in the summers, taking courses toward a doctoral degree. After two years at Highland Park, Johnson spent one year at North Texas as a part time trumpet instructor while studying trumpet with John Haynie. Additionally, he studied various areas of pedagogy and analysis with Clyde Miller, Frank Mainous, Merrill Ellis, David McGuire, Ed Rainbow, William Latham, and Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Maurice McAdow. Johnson also played in the North Texas Band conducted by McAdow.
Johnson continued his public school career as band director at Hillsboro High School beginning in 1972. Inheriting a high school band of 60 students, he was responsible for the entire band program, grades 6-12. During his five year tenure at Hillsboro High School, Johnson’s bands received four U.I.L. Sweepstakes awards, Best in Class at various contests, and a second place finish at the Parade of Champions marching contest. The four Sweepstakes awards achieved by Johnson’s bands are the only Sweepstakes awards achieved in the history of the school to date. At the end of his five years at Hillsboro High School, the high school band had an enrollment of over 130, the junior high band enrolled 120 students, and over 100 beginners started each year.
In 1977, Johnson was named high school band director at Woodville High School. Assuming responsibility for a well-established East Texas band program with a long heritage of outstanding bands was an honor and a challenge. As high school band director, he was part of a band staff that included Russell Cronin, Woodville Junior High School band director. Johnson and Cronin teamed together to produce outstanding high school and junior high school bands at Woodville. During Johnson’s six year tenure at Woodville, his bands received six Sweepstakes awards, Best in Class at Six Flags over Texas contest, Best in Class at Tri-State Music Festival in marching, and Best in Class at the Cavalcade of Music contest in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1980 the Woodville High School Band was named Class AAA Texas Honor Band. This was the first Class AAA Honor Band under the current AAAAA classification system. Johnson’s band performed at the TMEA convention in February 1981.
In 1983, Johnson joined the band staff at Lamar University as Assistant Director of Bands and director of the marching band. This was the beginning of a long term relationship working with and for Dr. James M. Simmons, who was Director of Bands at that time. Eventually, Dr. Simmons became president of Lamar University and Johnson assumed his current position as Vice President for Student Affairs in 2000.
Becoming Director of Bands in 1985, Johnson led the Lamar University Band program to many honors and awards. His leadership with the band program was especially important during the elimination of the university football program. He was able to maintain an active band program without the lure of football. From a band director’s point of view, Johnson will tell you that the demise of the football program was a band director’s dream come true because of not having to field a marching band! Each fall began with preparation for the early fall Lamarissimo! concert. During these difficult times, the Lamar University Band program continued to flourish with performances at the TMEA convention on four occasions featuring soloists and guest conductors including Jay Wadenpfuhl, French Horn, Allen Vizzuti, Trumpet, Dr. Harry Begian, conductor, and Frank Battisti, conductor. The Lamar Symphonic Band performed two times at the College Band Director’s Association Southwest Conference, and was the first Texas band to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Johnson accomplished a major recording goal in 1999 when a documentary CD of the complete marches of Kenneth Alford was produced and marketed through Mark Custom Records. Johnson is especially appreciative to long time friend and colleague, Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Val Rose, for his assistance in this project. Johnson also conducted the Concert Band of Southeast Texas, an ensemble consisting of professional musicians from the Southeast Texas area. This ensemble performed at the TBA convention on two occasions.
In 1986 Johnson completed doctoral studies at the University of Houston attaining the Doctor of Education degree. A life-long student, Johnson continued his studies by attending conducting conferences across the country. One of his most memorable was a three day intense course of private conducting study with Elizabeth A. H. Green at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1991, Johnson received a Diploma of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Conducting from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. This diploma was the culmination of three summers of conducting study. The faculty for the three summers included Frederick Fennell, Craig Kirchhoff, Stanley DeRusha, James Bankhead, David Whitwell, Donald Hunsberger, Eugene Corporon, and Jerome Summers. Johnson hosted an annual conducting symposium at Lamar University in which Craig Kirchhoff was the clinician. This association resulted in study with Mr. Kirchhoff not only for the university students but also for Johnson. Additionally, Johnson has been a clinician and contest judge for many bands across the state as well as for bands in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada.
While serving as Director of Bands at Lamar University, Johnson also served three years as chair of the Lamar University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. In 2000, Johnson became Vice President for Student Affairs at Lamar University. Johnson was a part of the Texas governor’s Executive Development Program in 2001. In 2009, Johnson received the Certificate in Student Affairs Law and Policy presented by the Stetson College of Law and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Johnson plans to retire from his current position, after 45 years in education on August 31, 2011.
Barry Wayne attended Luling public schools throughout his public school education. In the second grade, he began piano lessons. As the piano lessons evolved, he added Hammond organ lessons. At age 11, Barry Wayne was playing piano in local churches. Throughout his public school days and into his early professional career, Johnson played piano and organ in various churches. In the fifth grade, band was offered and Johnson chose to play cornet. The Luling band director at that time was Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, A.J. “Tony” Fassino. That particular year was Mr. Fassino’s last year in Luling before moving to Industrial High School. Johnson remembers the fundamentals of band instruction received during this initial year of band. Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Ernest Clark followed Fassino as band director in Luling. Mr. Clark’s three year tenure in Luling was during Johnson’s sixth through eighth grade years. Johnson credits his sound foundation in music to the instruction received through piano and organ study as well as the instruction received from these two outstanding musicians and teachers. Johnson remembers very well performing the solo, “The Little Monarch,” at solo and ensemble contest in the seventh grade for the judge, Mr. Fassino. The first division medal he received as a result of that performance continues to have special significance. Additional public school band directors included James Banks and Charles Musch.
In the fall of 1961, Johnson enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University where he played trumpet in the Cowboy Band directed by Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, “Prof” McClure. In 1962 Johnson transferred to Sam Houston State University where he studied trumpet with F. A. “Mickey” Tull and Kit Reid. Johnson also played in the band conducted by Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Dr. Ralph L. Mills. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in 1965, Johnson received a graduate assistantship in music theory. Master’s degree study included theory and analysis classes primarily with Dr. Tull. His Master of Arts degree was completed in 1966.
Johnson’s first teaching job was in the music department at Texarkana College where he taught several music courses and directed the band. After three years at Texarkana, Johnson became the assistant band director at Highland Park High School, working with Robert M. “Bob” Jordan. During this time, Johnson attended North Texas State University in the summers, taking courses toward a doctoral degree. After two years at Highland Park, Johnson spent one year at North Texas as a part time trumpet instructor while studying trumpet with John Haynie. Additionally, he studied various areas of pedagogy and analysis with Clyde Miller, Frank Mainous, Merrill Ellis, David McGuire, Ed Rainbow, William Latham, and Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Maurice McAdow. Johnson also played in the North Texas Band conducted by McAdow.
Johnson continued his public school career as band director at Hillsboro High School beginning in 1972. Inheriting a high school band of 60 students, he was responsible for the entire band program, grades 6-12. During his five year tenure at Hillsboro High School, Johnson’s bands received four U.I.L. Sweepstakes awards, Best in Class at various contests, and a second place finish at the Parade of Champions marching contest. The four Sweepstakes awards achieved by Johnson’s bands are the only Sweepstakes awards achieved in the history of the school to date. At the end of his five years at Hillsboro High School, the high school band had an enrollment of over 130, the junior high band enrolled 120 students, and over 100 beginners started each year.
In 1977, Johnson was named high school band director at Woodville High School. Assuming responsibility for a well-established East Texas band program with a long heritage of outstanding bands was an honor and a challenge. As high school band director, he was part of a band staff that included Russell Cronin, Woodville Junior High School band director. Johnson and Cronin teamed together to produce outstanding high school and junior high school bands at Woodville. During Johnson’s six year tenure at Woodville, his bands received six Sweepstakes awards, Best in Class at Six Flags over Texas contest, Best in Class at Tri-State Music Festival in marching, and Best in Class at the Cavalcade of Music contest in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1980 the Woodville High School Band was named Class AAA Texas Honor Band. This was the first Class AAA Honor Band under the current AAAAA classification system. Johnson’s band performed at the TMEA convention in February 1981.
In 1983, Johnson joined the band staff at Lamar University as Assistant Director of Bands and director of the marching band. This was the beginning of a long term relationship working with and for Dr. James M. Simmons, who was Director of Bands at that time. Eventually, Dr. Simmons became president of Lamar University and Johnson assumed his current position as Vice President for Student Affairs in 2000.
Becoming Director of Bands in 1985, Johnson led the Lamar University Band program to many honors and awards. His leadership with the band program was especially important during the elimination of the university football program. He was able to maintain an active band program without the lure of football. From a band director’s point of view, Johnson will tell you that the demise of the football program was a band director’s dream come true because of not having to field a marching band! Each fall began with preparation for the early fall Lamarissimo! concert. During these difficult times, the Lamar University Band program continued to flourish with performances at the TMEA convention on four occasions featuring soloists and guest conductors including Jay Wadenpfuhl, French Horn, Allen Vizzuti, Trumpet, Dr. Harry Begian, conductor, and Frank Battisti, conductor. The Lamar Symphonic Band performed two times at the College Band Director’s Association Southwest Conference, and was the first Texas band to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Johnson accomplished a major recording goal in 1999 when a documentary CD of the complete marches of Kenneth Alford was produced and marketed through Mark Custom Records. Johnson is especially appreciative to long time friend and colleague, Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Val Rose, for his assistance in this project. Johnson also conducted the Concert Band of Southeast Texas, an ensemble consisting of professional musicians from the Southeast Texas area. This ensemble performed at the TBA convention on two occasions.
In 1986 Johnson completed doctoral studies at the University of Houston attaining the Doctor of Education degree. A life-long student, Johnson continued his studies by attending conducting conferences across the country. One of his most memorable was a three day intense course of private conducting study with Elizabeth A. H. Green at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1991, Johnson received a Diploma of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Conducting from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. This diploma was the culmination of three summers of conducting study. The faculty for the three summers included Frederick Fennell, Craig Kirchhoff, Stanley DeRusha, James Bankhead, David Whitwell, Donald Hunsberger, Eugene Corporon, and Jerome Summers. Johnson hosted an annual conducting symposium at Lamar University in which Craig Kirchhoff was the clinician. This association resulted in study with Mr. Kirchhoff not only for the university students but also for Johnson. Additionally, Johnson has been a clinician and contest judge for many bands across the state as well as for bands in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada.
While serving as Director of Bands at Lamar University, Johnson also served three years as chair of the Lamar University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. In 2000, Johnson became Vice President for Student Affairs at Lamar University. Johnson was a part of the Texas governor’s Executive Development Program in 2001. In 2009, Johnson received the Certificate in Student Affairs Law and Policy presented by the Stetson College of Law and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Johnson plans to retire from his current position, after 45 years in education on August 31, 2011.
Val rose- 2017 Inductee
Valerye Edward (Val) Rose was born in Jefferson County, Texas, December 7, 1939. Val was the youngest of four children of Frank and Juanita Rose. Frank was a boilermaker by trade and Juanita a homemaker. Frank and Juanita were married in 1927 and very quickly had to face the difficulties of raising a family during the Great Depression. After traveling around the nation in search of work they settled near the Beaumont/ Port Arthur area of Texas. They managed to buy a piece of land, and Frank built the house where Val was born. They did have electricity, but water was supplied from a well and a cistern. Complete indoor facilities and plumbing arrived near the end of WWII. Life was good in the small rural community. For a time as a teenager Val had the fastest outboard powered boat on Taylor’s Bayou. Val learned at his father’s side how to repair almost anything, skills that served him well later in life.
Val went to public school at the S.F. Austin School in the Port Arthur ISD. As a fourth grader he met Melvin Montgomery, the new band director. (He enjoys telling people that he and Mel started band together. Sometimes he even admits that he was a fourth grader and Mel was a beginning director.) The trumpet he played was loaned to him by a brother-in –law, the late Jim Darnall, who had played in the LSU Band before he left for service in WWII. After Val marched and played in the high school band as a seventh grader, Mel moved to Snyder in West Texas and his new director for the next two years was Jimmie Hudgins. For the final three years of high school, Val’s director was Tom Jenkins. During Tom’s tenure, in addition to trumpet, Val played euphonium and trombonium to help balance the band. He began to understand more about what a band is and his interest grew. Mr. Montgomery got Val involved, Mr. Hudgins inspired him, and Mr. Jenkins convinced him he had some musical talent.
After graduating from high school in 1957, Val enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State College on a band scholarship. The twenty dollars a month paid his dorm rent ($13.00) with money to spare. He played in every ensemble available and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Few students had more fun than Val and still survived to actually get a degree, much less two degrees. Val owes much of that achievement to the influence of his wife Suzi. With marriage in 1962 came responsibility and a need to succeed in the band directing world, and Suzi has always been there to help. In addition to being a fine vocalist and flutist, Suzi became one of Texas’ outstanding elementary music teachers. Her teaching and inspiration were invaluable to the band programs where she and Val both taught.
While still a college student, Val began his career as a part time Texas band director at the Gary and Joaquin schools. His first full time job after graduation was at Moore Junior High in Tyler. In 1964 he became the director at Overton and led the high school band to their first sweepstakes in fourteen years. Then the next year he moved to Troup and again led their band to a sweepstakes. The Troup Concert Band won best in class at the Six Flags Contest and the Jazz Band won their class at the Brownwood and SMU Festivals.
In 1966 Val moved to the Jacksonville high school job, and began work on a struggling program. The band had never made a first division at a UIL concert contest. When he left Jacksonville thirteen years later, he left eight consecutive years of sweepstakes, the only ones in the school’s history at the time. The concert band had been a State Honor Band finalist, and the marching band was a five time best in class winner at the HEB marching contest. Val received invaluable assistance at Jacksonville from middle school directors Raymond Thomas, Joe Teague, and Jerry Thomas as well as assistant directors Danny Prado, Dean Stewart, Andy Davidson, Wayne Smith, and Dwight Logee.
After a brief fling at a fundraising job, Val led the White Oak High School Band to a sweepstakes in 1981. He then worked for the next five years as a roadman for Tatum Music Company, during which time he learned a great deal about the retail side of the band world and assisted many directors in East Texas. He owes many thanks to owners Neil Grant and the late Alto Tatum for the wisdom they shared during that experience.
In 1986 Val moved to Nederland as Director of Bands. The Nederland High School Band grew from 86 to over 260 members during the early nineties. The concert band was a TMEA Honor Band finalist three times. The military style (6 to 5) marching band won best in class at the NAMMB contest seven times. After promoting the construction of a fine arts center with a 2000+ seat auditorium (completed March 2000), Val retired in May as Director of Bands and Music Education. His son Greg was hired to replace him and lives around the corner within walking distance with wife Weena, son Eric, and daughter Amber. Suzi retired in 2003 from her job as a Nederland ISD elementary music teacher. She also retired after ten years of teaching the elementary music methods courses at Lamar University in Beaumont. Val also worked for two and one-half years (2001-2004) in the Student Affairs Division at Lamar University. He thoroughly enjoyed working for friends Dr. Barry Johnson and Dr. Jimmy Simmons.
Val held offices in UIL Regions 4, 21 and 10, including TMEA Region Chairman and Band Chairman; UIL Executive Secretary, Band Contest Chairman and State Advisory Council Member. He has been invited to present lectures at Texas Christian University, Lamar University, and Stephen F. Austin University. He is a charter member of TMAA and a member of Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Val was honored in 1997 with membership in Lamar University’s Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia chapter, and in 2000 he was honored with induction into the SFASU Band Directors Hall of Fame. In 2007 Val was presented with the Meritorius Achievement Award by the Texas Bandmasters Association. The creation of a 4A Texas All-State Band arose from an idea of Val and colleague Nelson Nolden.
A great many of Val’s former students have become band directors or involved in music education, and this is a source of joy. But just as nice is to know the list also includes classroom teachers, MD’s, PHD’s, attorneys, judges, administrators and many more professions. Val feels fortunate to have taught and led bands to sweepstakes in every Texas high school classification, 1A through 5A, and he gives thanks to all the students and teachers who had a part in that achievement. A special thrill is seeing son Greg become an outstanding band director and daughter Shannon Rose Shipp become a fine elementary music teacher for the Gladewater ISD where she lives with husband John and son Zachary.
Val went to public school at the S.F. Austin School in the Port Arthur ISD. As a fourth grader he met Melvin Montgomery, the new band director. (He enjoys telling people that he and Mel started band together. Sometimes he even admits that he was a fourth grader and Mel was a beginning director.) The trumpet he played was loaned to him by a brother-in –law, the late Jim Darnall, who had played in the LSU Band before he left for service in WWII. After Val marched and played in the high school band as a seventh grader, Mel moved to Snyder in West Texas and his new director for the next two years was Jimmie Hudgins. For the final three years of high school, Val’s director was Tom Jenkins. During Tom’s tenure, in addition to trumpet, Val played euphonium and trombonium to help balance the band. He began to understand more about what a band is and his interest grew. Mr. Montgomery got Val involved, Mr. Hudgins inspired him, and Mr. Jenkins convinced him he had some musical talent.
After graduating from high school in 1957, Val enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State College on a band scholarship. The twenty dollars a month paid his dorm rent ($13.00) with money to spare. He played in every ensemble available and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Few students had more fun than Val and still survived to actually get a degree, much less two degrees. Val owes much of that achievement to the influence of his wife Suzi. With marriage in 1962 came responsibility and a need to succeed in the band directing world, and Suzi has always been there to help. In addition to being a fine vocalist and flutist, Suzi became one of Texas’ outstanding elementary music teachers. Her teaching and inspiration were invaluable to the band programs where she and Val both taught.
While still a college student, Val began his career as a part time Texas band director at the Gary and Joaquin schools. His first full time job after graduation was at Moore Junior High in Tyler. In 1964 he became the director at Overton and led the high school band to their first sweepstakes in fourteen years. Then the next year he moved to Troup and again led their band to a sweepstakes. The Troup Concert Band won best in class at the Six Flags Contest and the Jazz Band won their class at the Brownwood and SMU Festivals.
In 1966 Val moved to the Jacksonville high school job, and began work on a struggling program. The band had never made a first division at a UIL concert contest. When he left Jacksonville thirteen years later, he left eight consecutive years of sweepstakes, the only ones in the school’s history at the time. The concert band had been a State Honor Band finalist, and the marching band was a five time best in class winner at the HEB marching contest. Val received invaluable assistance at Jacksonville from middle school directors Raymond Thomas, Joe Teague, and Jerry Thomas as well as assistant directors Danny Prado, Dean Stewart, Andy Davidson, Wayne Smith, and Dwight Logee.
After a brief fling at a fundraising job, Val led the White Oak High School Band to a sweepstakes in 1981. He then worked for the next five years as a roadman for Tatum Music Company, during which time he learned a great deal about the retail side of the band world and assisted many directors in East Texas. He owes many thanks to owners Neil Grant and the late Alto Tatum for the wisdom they shared during that experience.
In 1986 Val moved to Nederland as Director of Bands. The Nederland High School Band grew from 86 to over 260 members during the early nineties. The concert band was a TMEA Honor Band finalist three times. The military style (6 to 5) marching band won best in class at the NAMMB contest seven times. After promoting the construction of a fine arts center with a 2000+ seat auditorium (completed March 2000), Val retired in May as Director of Bands and Music Education. His son Greg was hired to replace him and lives around the corner within walking distance with wife Weena, son Eric, and daughter Amber. Suzi retired in 2003 from her job as a Nederland ISD elementary music teacher. She also retired after ten years of teaching the elementary music methods courses at Lamar University in Beaumont. Val also worked for two and one-half years (2001-2004) in the Student Affairs Division at Lamar University. He thoroughly enjoyed working for friends Dr. Barry Johnson and Dr. Jimmy Simmons.
Val held offices in UIL Regions 4, 21 and 10, including TMEA Region Chairman and Band Chairman; UIL Executive Secretary, Band Contest Chairman and State Advisory Council Member. He has been invited to present lectures at Texas Christian University, Lamar University, and Stephen F. Austin University. He is a charter member of TMAA and a member of Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Val was honored in 1997 with membership in Lamar University’s Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia chapter, and in 2000 he was honored with induction into the SFASU Band Directors Hall of Fame. In 2007 Val was presented with the Meritorius Achievement Award by the Texas Bandmasters Association. The creation of a 4A Texas All-State Band arose from an idea of Val and colleague Nelson Nolden.
A great many of Val’s former students have become band directors or involved in music education, and this is a source of joy. But just as nice is to know the list also includes classroom teachers, MD’s, PHD’s, attorneys, judges, administrators and many more professions. Val feels fortunate to have taught and led bands to sweepstakes in every Texas high school classification, 1A through 5A, and he gives thanks to all the students and teachers who had a part in that achievement. A special thrill is seeing son Greg become an outstanding band director and daughter Shannon Rose Shipp become a fine elementary music teacher for the Gladewater ISD where she lives with husband John and son Zachary.
Don Stockton - 2019 Inductee
Don Stockton was born April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to John and Nell Stockton. Don went to public school in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1963. During his elementary grades there was not a regular band program, however, a band instructor would teach at various times after school. While in the 4th grade, Don's older brother, Jim, started playing cornet and would show Don what he learned after each lesson. In the next three years band was offered only two days a week, and Don took private lessons from various teachers during this time. When he entered J.L. Long Junior High School in 8th grade, Don finally got to play in a band. The director, Col. George Royster, told Don he did not need cornets, but could use a baritone player. He was also later recruited to play trumpet in the orchestra under Mrs. Robbins. In the solo and ensemble contest sponsored by the city of Dallas, Don performed a class one solo each year from 8-12 and was selected as the outstanding baritone soloist each year. In his junior year he was also selected as the outstanding brass soloist (a higher level of the competition) and performed his solo on television in Dallas.
Don was the high school drum major his senior year. That fall Col. Royster had a heart attack, and a substitute was not available until November. The school counselor went to band class to take roll and maintained discipline, but the teaching of drill and music fell to the drum major, Don. That marching season went well and the band earned a first division at marching contest.
In 1963 Don started at Lamar Tech on a tuition scholarship for band, which he was able to secure when the head of the music department, Dr. Parks, came to Don's high school to recruit for orchestra. Don went on to be the Lamar drum major for three years. During his junior year, he taught beginner bands in three Catholic elementary schools and the drum and bugle corps at Kelly High School in Beaumont. In his senior year, Don taught for Liberty High School while still finishing his Bachelor's degree in music with a Performer's Certificate.
While serving as band director in Calvert, Texas, Don married his wife, Lynda, who he had met in the Lamar Tech band hall. After two years at Calvert he decided to take a year off and get his masters degree in supervision at Lamar University. During his time at Lamar he was hired as a band graduate assistant to Jimmy Simmons, who later became president of Lamar University. As graduate assistant Don drew up all of the drill for Lamar's band, at that time a military style band of around 160. As fate would have it, that same fall MacArthur Middle school found themselves without a band director. Willie LaGrone, director at South Park High School, called Don and asked if he could direct MacArthur and assist at South Park. That was a busy year as a full time grad student, graduate assistant, and full time band director. The next stop was Newton High School in Newton, Texas. Don taught there for seven years and he and Lynda began their family of three boys, Troy, Trent, and Treyson. The next three years were at Westwood High School in Palestine, Texas. During Don's second year at Westwood, the band earned the first UIL 1st division in the school's history at marching contest, which they repeated the next year.
The next 17 years were spent at Warren High School in Warren, TX. In Don's second year, Warren earned a Sweepstakes award in UIL, the first 1st division in any contest for the school since 1957.
Under Don, Warren went on to receive many more UIL and other awards, including TMEA AA State Honor Band in 1993-94. Warren also won the State UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest twice and came in second five times; and participated in the UIL State Marching Contest three times. During Don's tenure, Warren had many TMEA and ATSSB All State Students, including two of Don's sons. Trent was a 3 time member of the TMEA All State band, first chair bass trombone twice; and 1st chair in the first ever ATSSB all-state band. Trent continued music and is now a member of the Army Herald Trumpets, US Army Band in Washington, D.C. Treyson was a three-time TMEA all-state member and 1st chair tuba his senior year. Don's oldest son, Troy, passed from this life December 21, 1991.
Don has received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence Award, the TMEA Leadership and Achievement Award, and the NAMMB Achievement of Musical Excellence Award. He is a past member of TMAA and TMEA, and a current member of Phi Beta Mu and a charter and lifetime member of ATSSB. He has served as ATSSB Region Coordinator, Area Tape Coordinator, Area Coordinator, and President. He has serve NAMMB as Librarian, Contest Chairman, and President. Don retired in July of 1999 and has been teaching private lessons at Kountze High School for the past 20 years.
Don was the high school drum major his senior year. That fall Col. Royster had a heart attack, and a substitute was not available until November. The school counselor went to band class to take roll and maintained discipline, but the teaching of drill and music fell to the drum major, Don. That marching season went well and the band earned a first division at marching contest.
In 1963 Don started at Lamar Tech on a tuition scholarship for band, which he was able to secure when the head of the music department, Dr. Parks, came to Don's high school to recruit for orchestra. Don went on to be the Lamar drum major for three years. During his junior year, he taught beginner bands in three Catholic elementary schools and the drum and bugle corps at Kelly High School in Beaumont. In his senior year, Don taught for Liberty High School while still finishing his Bachelor's degree in music with a Performer's Certificate.
While serving as band director in Calvert, Texas, Don married his wife, Lynda, who he had met in the Lamar Tech band hall. After two years at Calvert he decided to take a year off and get his masters degree in supervision at Lamar University. During his time at Lamar he was hired as a band graduate assistant to Jimmy Simmons, who later became president of Lamar University. As graduate assistant Don drew up all of the drill for Lamar's band, at that time a military style band of around 160. As fate would have it, that same fall MacArthur Middle school found themselves without a band director. Willie LaGrone, director at South Park High School, called Don and asked if he could direct MacArthur and assist at South Park. That was a busy year as a full time grad student, graduate assistant, and full time band director. The next stop was Newton High School in Newton, Texas. Don taught there for seven years and he and Lynda began their family of three boys, Troy, Trent, and Treyson. The next three years were at Westwood High School in Palestine, Texas. During Don's second year at Westwood, the band earned the first UIL 1st division in the school's history at marching contest, which they repeated the next year.
The next 17 years were spent at Warren High School in Warren, TX. In Don's second year, Warren earned a Sweepstakes award in UIL, the first 1st division in any contest for the school since 1957.
Under Don, Warren went on to receive many more UIL and other awards, including TMEA AA State Honor Band in 1993-94. Warren also won the State UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest twice and came in second five times; and participated in the UIL State Marching Contest three times. During Don's tenure, Warren had many TMEA and ATSSB All State Students, including two of Don's sons. Trent was a 3 time member of the TMEA All State band, first chair bass trombone twice; and 1st chair in the first ever ATSSB all-state band. Trent continued music and is now a member of the Army Herald Trumpets, US Army Band in Washington, D.C. Treyson was a three-time TMEA all-state member and 1st chair tuba his senior year. Don's oldest son, Troy, passed from this life December 21, 1991.
Don has received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence Award, the TMEA Leadership and Achievement Award, and the NAMMB Achievement of Musical Excellence Award. He is a past member of TMAA and TMEA, and a current member of Phi Beta Mu and a charter and lifetime member of ATSSB. He has served as ATSSB Region Coordinator, Area Tape Coordinator, Area Coordinator, and President. He has serve NAMMB as Librarian, Contest Chairman, and President. Don retired in July of 1999 and has been teaching private lessons at Kountze High School for the past 20 years.
Raymond Thomas - 2019 Inductee
Raymond Lee Thomas was born on April 18, 1941, to Monroe and Jackie Thomas of Mexia, Texas in his grandmother Lizzie Thomas's house. Jackie was a nurse and Monroe was an oil field worker, so many moves were required. For eligibility requirements, Raymond lived with his grandmother in Mexia for his last two years of high school. Raymond graduated from Mexia High School in 1959, earned his Bachelor's degree in 1964 from Stephen F Austin University and his Master's degree in 1977 from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Raymond started band in the fourth grad in McCamey, Texas. He was always interested in band and sports, but band was always his first love. When his family moved from McCamey back to Mexia, Raymond was in fifth grade but was allowed to play in the Junior High band since band did not start until sixth grade in Mexia. He marched and played in the high school band as a seventh grader. He was also presented the Outstanding Athlete Award at Mexia High School, and set the district record in low hurdles. Mr. Joe Tom Haney was the Mexia high school band director and featured Raymond many times as the soloist. Raymond formed the "Flames of Dixeyland" band, who won several talent shows. Later Raymond played with Mr. Haney in the dance band "The Corsicans" and earned enough money to buy a new trumpet. He played "Taps" with the National Guard at military funerals as well.
Raymond's teaching experience included Diboll, New Diana, Timpson, Jacksonville Junior High, Whitehouse, South Park High School in Beaumont, Crosby, Pine Tree Junior High, and Carthage. Raymond takes pride in all of his 19 years of teaching, but especially at three schools. Jacksonville made the first ever 1st division in school history (followed by five sweepstakes), and Whitehouse made their first sweepstakes in school history under Raymond's direction. At Carthage, Raymond's bands made the first sweepstakes in 26 years, and followed with four more. Carthage also represented Texas at the Four States Music Convention and won outstanding band in class at the NAMMB contest at Texas A&M in 1991 under Raymond.
In total, Raymond's bands won twelve UIL Sweepstakes awards, and were once selected as Outstanding Band in class at the Tri-State Marching Contest in Enid Oklahoma. His students received many individual awards in regional and state solo and ensemble contests and won positions in the All District, All Region and All State Bands, including two first chair players. Several of his former band students have gone on to become band directors or were involved some way in music education. Some have even themselves retired at this point.
Raymond was the region chairman for UIL, and was an adjudicator in instrumental, voice, piano, string, and band competitions. He was also an instructor at several university summer band camps. He is a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Mu band fraternity, and was a founding member of NAMMB.
In 2015, Raymond was inducted in the Carthage Bulldog Alumni Hall of Honor and was recognized for his service as Carthage ISD director of bands. Dr. Timothy Rhea wrote the march "Thomas Triumphal" in his honor and it was premiered on May 28, 2015.
Neil Grant, Val Rose, and Butch Almany are just a few directors who were always ready to help and have always remained close friends.
Raymond started band in the fourth grad in McCamey, Texas. He was always interested in band and sports, but band was always his first love. When his family moved from McCamey back to Mexia, Raymond was in fifth grade but was allowed to play in the Junior High band since band did not start until sixth grade in Mexia. He marched and played in the high school band as a seventh grader. He was also presented the Outstanding Athlete Award at Mexia High School, and set the district record in low hurdles. Mr. Joe Tom Haney was the Mexia high school band director and featured Raymond many times as the soloist. Raymond formed the "Flames of Dixeyland" band, who won several talent shows. Later Raymond played with Mr. Haney in the dance band "The Corsicans" and earned enough money to buy a new trumpet. He played "Taps" with the National Guard at military funerals as well.
Raymond's teaching experience included Diboll, New Diana, Timpson, Jacksonville Junior High, Whitehouse, South Park High School in Beaumont, Crosby, Pine Tree Junior High, and Carthage. Raymond takes pride in all of his 19 years of teaching, but especially at three schools. Jacksonville made the first ever 1st division in school history (followed by five sweepstakes), and Whitehouse made their first sweepstakes in school history under Raymond's direction. At Carthage, Raymond's bands made the first sweepstakes in 26 years, and followed with four more. Carthage also represented Texas at the Four States Music Convention and won outstanding band in class at the NAMMB contest at Texas A&M in 1991 under Raymond.
In total, Raymond's bands won twelve UIL Sweepstakes awards, and were once selected as Outstanding Band in class at the Tri-State Marching Contest in Enid Oklahoma. His students received many individual awards in regional and state solo and ensemble contests and won positions in the All District, All Region and All State Bands, including two first chair players. Several of his former band students have gone on to become band directors or were involved some way in music education. Some have even themselves retired at this point.
Raymond was the region chairman for UIL, and was an adjudicator in instrumental, voice, piano, string, and band competitions. He was also an instructor at several university summer band camps. He is a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Mu band fraternity, and was a founding member of NAMMB.
In 2015, Raymond was inducted in the Carthage Bulldog Alumni Hall of Honor and was recognized for his service as Carthage ISD director of bands. Dr. Timothy Rhea wrote the march "Thomas Triumphal" in his honor and it was premiered on May 28, 2015.
Neil Grant, Val Rose, and Butch Almany are just a few directors who were always ready to help and have always remained close friends.
NEil Grant - 2021 Inductee
On a cold winter day, January 6, 1940, a baby boy was born to Hoya Doice and Ruth Grant at the Warren Hospital in Center, Texas. O'Neil Grant made his way into this world weighing 10 lbs ¼ oz. Neil was the younger of two boys in the Grant family who lived in the small Shelby County community of Arcadia. Neil started his school years at age five in a one-room schoolhouse named Cooper School, which he actually did have to walk to. During those years, Neil had to study by lamplight or by the light of the fireplace because electricity had not found its way to Arcadia. Neil liked school and always excelled in many areas, especially music.
When Neil was ten years old, his parents bought him a trumpet and that was the beginning of the Neil Grant we know today. Neil's family moved around a great deal as his daddy looked for work, but Neil always played his trumpet wherever he went. During his 6th grade year, at the age of 11, the Grant family moved to Pasadena, Texas. Neil's mother saw to it that young Neil pursued his musical interest. He was fortunate to take private lessons from Gene Stutzberry, the first trumpet player in the Houston Symphony and band director of the Pasadena High School Band.
When Neil was ten years old, tragedy struck the family when both the Grant boys contracted polio. Neil lay in the Nan Travis Hospital in Jacksonville, Texas, for many months with his feet strapped to a board. To pass the idle hours, Neil played his trumpet. Later his family moved to Rockdale, Texas, where his dad worked for the Alcoa Company and Neil was in the band. It was here that Neil first made music history when as a twelve year old he made the coveted All-State Band for the first time. During Neil's sophomore year his family moved back to Arcadia and Neil attended Timpson High School. Another tragedy struck during Neil's sophomore year when his daddy passed away. Neil's brother was grown and had moved away, leaving just Neil and his mother. Neil took over running the farm and looking after his mother. That didn't slow Neil down as he continued to play his horn and make good grades in school. It was here that a gentleman by the name of Alto Tatum would come and clinic the Timpson Band. He noticed the musical talents and leadership qualities Neil possessed and he became a mentor to Neil. Later they became business partners in Tatum Music Co., a relationship that lasted for 30 years.
During Neil's sophomore year at Timpson, another event happened that would change his life. A new girl named Jackie Emanis moved to Timpson, and she caught his eye. Jackie always said that in those days, when Bobby Goff was their director, folks would refer to the group as Neil Grant accompanied by the Timpson High School Band. Like most trumpet players, Neil liked to play loud!
Neil entered Stephen F. Austin University after graduating with honors at Timpson. He and Jackie, both students at the time, married and she became Jackie Grant. Neil graduated with honors from SFA in only 2 ½ years. He then started his band-directing career at age 19 in Tatum, Texas, and after one year, moved to Troup, Texas. Here, Neil Grant and the class 1A Troup High School Band made a name for themselves and the town. He led the band to consistent Sweepstakes awards. They also performed in the Cotton Bowl and at college football games. In 1963 the band attended the prestigious Tri- State Musical Festival in Enid, Oklahoma. They were selected as the Outstanding Band in Class for concert and marching. In addition, the band won the Outstanding Band award in the Million Dollar Parade, competing with more than 100 bands of all classes. Two years later in 1965 on a return trip to Tri -State, the band duplicated all of the outstanding band awards won in 1963, including the Outstanding Band of all Classes in the Million Dollar Parade with 104 bands competing. Another highlight for the 1965 band was being selected by TMEA as the 1st runner-up in Honor Band competition.
In 1965, Neil moved to class 4A Nacogdoches High School, where the band made a 1st division at marching contest and performed at the New Year's Cotton Bowl game. Neil accepted the White Oak High School band director position in January 1966, where he earned the Sweepstakes award. He also took the band to the Tri State Festival in Oklahoma, where they were the Outstanding Band in Class. In the Million Dollar Parade, with 107 bands of all classes, they were selected as 1st runner-up. In 1967 the band attended the Fiesta of Five Flags in Pensacola, Florida and was selected as the Outstanding Overall Band, in concert, field drill, and parade competition. In addition to the Sweepstakes award, they were also the TMEA Honor Band.
In 1967 Neil accepted the position as director of the Longview High School Band. During his two years, the program saw tremendous growth and achieved consistent Sweepstakes awards. In addition, the band won the L.D. Bell Invitational Marching Contest, was the outstanding band at Fiesta of Five Flags in Florida, and was the region TMEA Honor Band.
In the summer of 1969, Neil left the teaching profession to start a forty-year partnership with Tatum Music Company in Longview, Texas. In addition to operating a successful business, he continued to serve as a clinician to the bands of East Texas, conducting more than 4000 clinics in his 40 years.
In 1982 Neil was selected to the SFA Band Director's Hall of Fame; in 1995, was the recipient of the Outstanding Music Alumnus award at SFA University; and in 1998 was named as Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Contributor. Neil retired from Tatum Music Co. in January 2010, and now lives in the Arcadia Community of Shelby Co. where he actively operates his cattle ranch.
Neil and Jackie have four grown children: Doice Grant and wife Beth of Longview, Dr. Derek Grant and wife Ann of Center, Texas, Greg Grant and wife Melanie of the Arcadia Community, and Kerry Grant Greer and husband Reed Greer of Melissa, Texas. Their pride and joy are their eight grandchildren, seven boys and one granddaughter: Reed and Seth Grant, Rachel and Levi Grant, and Trace, August, Jack and Judson Greer.
When Neil was ten years old, his parents bought him a trumpet and that was the beginning of the Neil Grant we know today. Neil's family moved around a great deal as his daddy looked for work, but Neil always played his trumpet wherever he went. During his 6th grade year, at the age of 11, the Grant family moved to Pasadena, Texas. Neil's mother saw to it that young Neil pursued his musical interest. He was fortunate to take private lessons from Gene Stutzberry, the first trumpet player in the Houston Symphony and band director of the Pasadena High School Band.
When Neil was ten years old, tragedy struck the family when both the Grant boys contracted polio. Neil lay in the Nan Travis Hospital in Jacksonville, Texas, for many months with his feet strapped to a board. To pass the idle hours, Neil played his trumpet. Later his family moved to Rockdale, Texas, where his dad worked for the Alcoa Company and Neil was in the band. It was here that Neil first made music history when as a twelve year old he made the coveted All-State Band for the first time. During Neil's sophomore year his family moved back to Arcadia and Neil attended Timpson High School. Another tragedy struck during Neil's sophomore year when his daddy passed away. Neil's brother was grown and had moved away, leaving just Neil and his mother. Neil took over running the farm and looking after his mother. That didn't slow Neil down as he continued to play his horn and make good grades in school. It was here that a gentleman by the name of Alto Tatum would come and clinic the Timpson Band. He noticed the musical talents and leadership qualities Neil possessed and he became a mentor to Neil. Later they became business partners in Tatum Music Co., a relationship that lasted for 30 years.
During Neil's sophomore year at Timpson, another event happened that would change his life. A new girl named Jackie Emanis moved to Timpson, and she caught his eye. Jackie always said that in those days, when Bobby Goff was their director, folks would refer to the group as Neil Grant accompanied by the Timpson High School Band. Like most trumpet players, Neil liked to play loud!
Neil entered Stephen F. Austin University after graduating with honors at Timpson. He and Jackie, both students at the time, married and she became Jackie Grant. Neil graduated with honors from SFA in only 2 ½ years. He then started his band-directing career at age 19 in Tatum, Texas, and after one year, moved to Troup, Texas. Here, Neil Grant and the class 1A Troup High School Band made a name for themselves and the town. He led the band to consistent Sweepstakes awards. They also performed in the Cotton Bowl and at college football games. In 1963 the band attended the prestigious Tri- State Musical Festival in Enid, Oklahoma. They were selected as the Outstanding Band in Class for concert and marching. In addition, the band won the Outstanding Band award in the Million Dollar Parade, competing with more than 100 bands of all classes. Two years later in 1965 on a return trip to Tri -State, the band duplicated all of the outstanding band awards won in 1963, including the Outstanding Band of all Classes in the Million Dollar Parade with 104 bands competing. Another highlight for the 1965 band was being selected by TMEA as the 1st runner-up in Honor Band competition.
In 1965, Neil moved to class 4A Nacogdoches High School, where the band made a 1st division at marching contest and performed at the New Year's Cotton Bowl game. Neil accepted the White Oak High School band director position in January 1966, where he earned the Sweepstakes award. He also took the band to the Tri State Festival in Oklahoma, where they were the Outstanding Band in Class. In the Million Dollar Parade, with 107 bands of all classes, they were selected as 1st runner-up. In 1967 the band attended the Fiesta of Five Flags in Pensacola, Florida and was selected as the Outstanding Overall Band, in concert, field drill, and parade competition. In addition to the Sweepstakes award, they were also the TMEA Honor Band.
In 1967 Neil accepted the position as director of the Longview High School Band. During his two years, the program saw tremendous growth and achieved consistent Sweepstakes awards. In addition, the band won the L.D. Bell Invitational Marching Contest, was the outstanding band at Fiesta of Five Flags in Florida, and was the region TMEA Honor Band.
In the summer of 1969, Neil left the teaching profession to start a forty-year partnership with Tatum Music Company in Longview, Texas. In addition to operating a successful business, he continued to serve as a clinician to the bands of East Texas, conducting more than 4000 clinics in his 40 years.
In 1982 Neil was selected to the SFA Band Director's Hall of Fame; in 1995, was the recipient of the Outstanding Music Alumnus award at SFA University; and in 1998 was named as Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Contributor. Neil retired from Tatum Music Co. in January 2010, and now lives in the Arcadia Community of Shelby Co. where he actively operates his cattle ranch.
Neil and Jackie have four grown children: Doice Grant and wife Beth of Longview, Dr. Derek Grant and wife Ann of Center, Texas, Greg Grant and wife Melanie of the Arcadia Community, and Kerry Grant Greer and husband Reed Greer of Melissa, Texas. Their pride and joy are their eight grandchildren, seven boys and one granddaughter: Reed and Seth Grant, Rachel and Levi Grant, and Trace, August, Jack and Judson Greer.
John "Pete" Kunkel - 2023 Inductee
John Charles Kunkel was born on September 6, 1933, in Rusk County, Texas, near the community of Leverett’s Chapel.
His parents were Arbert and Ganell Kunkel. Mr. Kunkel was a carpenter and came to the east Texas area looking for work
in the oil field. The Kunkel family moved to White Oak and established their permanent residence.
John started school at White Oak in 1940 and graduated in 1951. His nickname in the community was “Sonny” until the
band director, Mr. Roy Swicegood, stuck a piccolo in his hand in the sixth grade and said, “You are going to make a fine
piccolo player, and from now on everyone will call you ‘Piccolo Pete’.”
Pete was in the All-State Band three years and was in the first All-State Band that played a concert at TMEA. Mr.
Swicegood developed an outstanding band at White Oak and through his leadership, inspired Pete to major in music and
become a band director. Mr. Swicegood was installed in the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1992.
After graduation from White Oak, Pete accepted a music scholarship from Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches and
enrolled in the fall of 1951. During the summer of 1952, he received a call from the band director at LSU. They told him
they needed a good flute and piccolo player and would pay for everything including bus fare to Baton Rouge. After being
at LSU for three days, Pete decided that this was not the place for an east Texas country boy, so he hitchhiked back to
Nacogdoches and enrolled at SFA.
In the fall of 1953, Pete met Mozelle Hall who was a freshman Home Economics Major from Carthage. She also played
flute and was a twirler in the SFA Band. They were married in August 1954. They have two daughters, Kathryn Kunkel,
who lives in San Francisco, and Debbie Rodgers, who lives in Longview. Debbie is married to J. B. Rodgers, and they
have three children, Justin, Megan and Jake. Mozelle taught Home Economics and elementary grades and retired after 30
years of teaching.
Pete received his Bachelor of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin in August of 1954 and the Master of Education degree
in August of 1955. Pete started teaching in 1954 and retired in January of 1998 after teaching 43 1/2 years, all in Texas
schools. Those schools are: Nacogdoches Junior High, 1954-55; Hemphill High School, 1955-56; Cleveland High School,
1956-66; Beaumont Forest Park, 1966-69; Longview High School, 1969-1986 and Panola College, 1986-1998.
Pete was band director at Longview High School and Supervisor of Music for the Longview Independent School District
for seventeen years. Under his leadership the band earned seventeen consecutive UIL Sweepstakes awards. The Longview
Band has always been a traditional 6 to 5 military marching band, and during his seventeen year tenure, the band became
well known for its unique style of marching, drill design and playing of difficult marches. One writer in a magazine article
stated it best when he wrote: “The Longview Lobo Band is the only band I have ever seen that can get a standing ovation
for snapping to attention.” Although a lot of recognition of excellence came through the reputation of the marching
performances, the band members took great pride to excel in individual accomplishments. For seventeen consecutive
years, the band members earned 100 or more Class I medals at Solo and Ensemble Contest and each of these years was the
leader in the region for the number of students earning chairs in the All-Region Band. Perhaps the greatest
accomplishment of the Longview program was that in each of those seventeen years, the Band placed two or more
members in the All-State Band, and one year, nine students earned All-State Band Honors.
In 1970, the Longview Band won the Outstanding Band trophy at the Virginia Beach Music Festival and returned the
following year as the Honor Band. The Band won Superior awards in the Mexico City Band Festival twice; Six Flags over
Georgia twice; and the Florida World Music Festival. The Cleveland Band, the Forest Park Band and the Longview Band
all performed in the Cotton Bowl Classic pre-game show.
Pete has been very active in his career in band activities, serving both on the Region and State level as the UIL Executive
Secretary for Region X: TMEA Band Chairman for Region IV and Region XXI; as well as serving on many state
committees. He has judged the Texas UIL State Marching Contest, the NAMMB Marching Contest, and the Oklahoma,
Arkansas and Louisiana state concert contests.
In 1981, Pete was presented the Stephen F. Austin Kappa Kappa Psi Hall of Fame Award. He served on the Board of
Texas Bandmasters Association and was President in 1982-83. In 1995, he was selected as Bandmaster of the Year by
Texas Bandmasters Association. In 1997 he was elected by the Department of Music of Stephen F. Austin as the
Outstanding Music Alumnus. Last spring, ex-Longview Band members, in cooperation with the Band Boosters Club,
established the John “Pete” Kunkel Scholarship to be presented annually to a graduating senior who plans to major in
music and become a band director.
Pete is a member of Phi Beta Mu and has served on the Membership Committee and on the Board. He is a member of
TBA, TMEA and a life member of TSTA. There are some thirty students who were in his bands who chose to be band
directors or to play professionally. Some have now entered the music business, and as Pete said: “It is great to see their
success.”
His parents were Arbert and Ganell Kunkel. Mr. Kunkel was a carpenter and came to the east Texas area looking for work
in the oil field. The Kunkel family moved to White Oak and established their permanent residence.
John started school at White Oak in 1940 and graduated in 1951. His nickname in the community was “Sonny” until the
band director, Mr. Roy Swicegood, stuck a piccolo in his hand in the sixth grade and said, “You are going to make a fine
piccolo player, and from now on everyone will call you ‘Piccolo Pete’.”
Pete was in the All-State Band three years and was in the first All-State Band that played a concert at TMEA. Mr.
Swicegood developed an outstanding band at White Oak and through his leadership, inspired Pete to major in music and
become a band director. Mr. Swicegood was installed in the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1992.
After graduation from White Oak, Pete accepted a music scholarship from Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches and
enrolled in the fall of 1951. During the summer of 1952, he received a call from the band director at LSU. They told him
they needed a good flute and piccolo player and would pay for everything including bus fare to Baton Rouge. After being
at LSU for three days, Pete decided that this was not the place for an east Texas country boy, so he hitchhiked back to
Nacogdoches and enrolled at SFA.
In the fall of 1953, Pete met Mozelle Hall who was a freshman Home Economics Major from Carthage. She also played
flute and was a twirler in the SFA Band. They were married in August 1954. They have two daughters, Kathryn Kunkel,
who lives in San Francisco, and Debbie Rodgers, who lives in Longview. Debbie is married to J. B. Rodgers, and they
have three children, Justin, Megan and Jake. Mozelle taught Home Economics and elementary grades and retired after 30
years of teaching.
Pete received his Bachelor of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin in August of 1954 and the Master of Education degree
in August of 1955. Pete started teaching in 1954 and retired in January of 1998 after teaching 43 1/2 years, all in Texas
schools. Those schools are: Nacogdoches Junior High, 1954-55; Hemphill High School, 1955-56; Cleveland High School,
1956-66; Beaumont Forest Park, 1966-69; Longview High School, 1969-1986 and Panola College, 1986-1998.
Pete was band director at Longview High School and Supervisor of Music for the Longview Independent School District
for seventeen years. Under his leadership the band earned seventeen consecutive UIL Sweepstakes awards. The Longview
Band has always been a traditional 6 to 5 military marching band, and during his seventeen year tenure, the band became
well known for its unique style of marching, drill design and playing of difficult marches. One writer in a magazine article
stated it best when he wrote: “The Longview Lobo Band is the only band I have ever seen that can get a standing ovation
for snapping to attention.” Although a lot of recognition of excellence came through the reputation of the marching
performances, the band members took great pride to excel in individual accomplishments. For seventeen consecutive
years, the band members earned 100 or more Class I medals at Solo and Ensemble Contest and each of these years was the
leader in the region for the number of students earning chairs in the All-Region Band. Perhaps the greatest
accomplishment of the Longview program was that in each of those seventeen years, the Band placed two or more
members in the All-State Band, and one year, nine students earned All-State Band Honors.
In 1970, the Longview Band won the Outstanding Band trophy at the Virginia Beach Music Festival and returned the
following year as the Honor Band. The Band won Superior awards in the Mexico City Band Festival twice; Six Flags over
Georgia twice; and the Florida World Music Festival. The Cleveland Band, the Forest Park Band and the Longview Band
all performed in the Cotton Bowl Classic pre-game show.
Pete has been very active in his career in band activities, serving both on the Region and State level as the UIL Executive
Secretary for Region X: TMEA Band Chairman for Region IV and Region XXI; as well as serving on many state
committees. He has judged the Texas UIL State Marching Contest, the NAMMB Marching Contest, and the Oklahoma,
Arkansas and Louisiana state concert contests.
In 1981, Pete was presented the Stephen F. Austin Kappa Kappa Psi Hall of Fame Award. He served on the Board of
Texas Bandmasters Association and was President in 1982-83. In 1995, he was selected as Bandmaster of the Year by
Texas Bandmasters Association. In 1997 he was elected by the Department of Music of Stephen F. Austin as the
Outstanding Music Alumnus. Last spring, ex-Longview Band members, in cooperation with the Band Boosters Club,
established the John “Pete” Kunkel Scholarship to be presented annually to a graduating senior who plans to major in
music and become a band director.
Pete is a member of Phi Beta Mu and has served on the Membership Committee and on the Board. He is a member of
TBA, TMEA and a life member of TSTA. There are some thirty students who were in his bands who chose to be band
directors or to play professionally. Some have now entered the music business, and as Pete said: “It is great to see their
success.”
Stuart Bird - 2023 Inductee
Stuart Bird was born December 8, 1947, to Martha and Billy Bird in Mansfield, Louisiana. He graduated from Many, Louisiana High School in 1966. After attending Stephen F. Austin State University, he earned a bachelors degree in music education and a master’s degree in educational administration
from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was influenced early in life by his mother’s love of music and his uncle, Noel Tipton, a Juilliard graduate.
Stuart began teaching band at the age of 19, and had a 47 year career in the field of education. He first taught in the Natchitoches Parrish schools, then at Many HIgh School, before coming to Carthage High School in East Texas. While teaching there, he also served as the district’s Fine Arts Director.
As a band director, Stuart sought to instill the motto of “pride and character” in his students – their
individual performances, the band performance and all of their life activities. He influenced the lives of
many band students. Quoting a former student: “Mr. Bird made all students feel special, whether you
were an all-state player or last chair in the section. He was our teacher, mentor, counselor to many, a
second dad to many more, and a friend to all. He could make the worst of times bearable and the great
times unforgettable”. His award winning bands were known for their military style precision drills and
quality of sound. He encouraged enthusiasm for excellence with his “one more time” for good measure
motto. During his teaching years bands won many UIL Sweepstakes Awards, was a TMEA State Honor
Band Finalist and won several best in class awards in conference 4A at the prestigious NAMMB contests.
After 20 years in the band room, Stuart worked in school administration the remainder of his
career. He served as principal at Carthage and Jacksonville High Schools, and Superintendent of the
Jacksonville ISD. Following a brief retirement Stuart served as superintendent of Troup ISD, and interim
assistant superintendent for Tyler ISD. Stuart’s common sense, attention to detail, love of people and his
personal belief in pride and character made him a natural leader among band students, their parents,
colleagues and school personnel.
Always the educator, Stuart was a clinician for all-district and all-region bands throughout Louisiana
and Texas, and judged numerous contests in the Ark-La-Tex area. While a school administrator, he
continued mentoring young band directors, teachers, and administrators to become masters in their own
fields.
At Northwestern State University, Stuart was named to the “Distinguished Hall of Educators” in
2015 and was named Alumni Band Director of the year in 1992. A most cherished experience was being
inducted into the Carthage HS Band Hall of Fame, which included having a march composed in his honor
by Dr. Tim Rhea, Director of Bands at Texas A&M University. He was filled with pride hearing “Bird’s
Battlin’ Brigade” for the first time. He was named an “Influential Educator” by the Jacksonville ISD
Education Foundation and held memberships in many music, educational and civic organizations. He was
a member of TBA, TMEA, Phi Beta Mu, TMAA and NAMMB. Stuart was very involved with NAMMB from
their beginning year and throughout his career. He promoted the preservation of the military precision
style of performance. Stuart had several bands that were awarded top performances at NAMMB contests.
Additionally he served as president of NAMMB.
Stuart always enjoyed the camaraderie among Texas Bandmasters, especially those in the East
Texas area. Words cannot express the gratitude that Stuart felt for his mentors: Neil Grant, John “Pete”
Kunkel, and Jerry Hanszen.
On behalf of Stuart, his wife Sharon and the family wish to thank NAMMB for this prestigious
honor.
from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was influenced early in life by his mother’s love of music and his uncle, Noel Tipton, a Juilliard graduate.
Stuart began teaching band at the age of 19, and had a 47 year career in the field of education. He first taught in the Natchitoches Parrish schools, then at Many HIgh School, before coming to Carthage High School in East Texas. While teaching there, he also served as the district’s Fine Arts Director.
As a band director, Stuart sought to instill the motto of “pride and character” in his students – their
individual performances, the band performance and all of their life activities. He influenced the lives of
many band students. Quoting a former student: “Mr. Bird made all students feel special, whether you
were an all-state player or last chair in the section. He was our teacher, mentor, counselor to many, a
second dad to many more, and a friend to all. He could make the worst of times bearable and the great
times unforgettable”. His award winning bands were known for their military style precision drills and
quality of sound. He encouraged enthusiasm for excellence with his “one more time” for good measure
motto. During his teaching years bands won many UIL Sweepstakes Awards, was a TMEA State Honor
Band Finalist and won several best in class awards in conference 4A at the prestigious NAMMB contests.
After 20 years in the band room, Stuart worked in school administration the remainder of his
career. He served as principal at Carthage and Jacksonville High Schools, and Superintendent of the
Jacksonville ISD. Following a brief retirement Stuart served as superintendent of Troup ISD, and interim
assistant superintendent for Tyler ISD. Stuart’s common sense, attention to detail, love of people and his
personal belief in pride and character made him a natural leader among band students, their parents,
colleagues and school personnel.
Always the educator, Stuart was a clinician for all-district and all-region bands throughout Louisiana
and Texas, and judged numerous contests in the Ark-La-Tex area. While a school administrator, he
continued mentoring young band directors, teachers, and administrators to become masters in their own
fields.
At Northwestern State University, Stuart was named to the “Distinguished Hall of Educators” in
2015 and was named Alumni Band Director of the year in 1992. A most cherished experience was being
inducted into the Carthage HS Band Hall of Fame, which included having a march composed in his honor
by Dr. Tim Rhea, Director of Bands at Texas A&M University. He was filled with pride hearing “Bird’s
Battlin’ Brigade” for the first time. He was named an “Influential Educator” by the Jacksonville ISD
Education Foundation and held memberships in many music, educational and civic organizations. He was
a member of TBA, TMEA, Phi Beta Mu, TMAA and NAMMB. Stuart was very involved with NAMMB from
their beginning year and throughout his career. He promoted the preservation of the military precision
style of performance. Stuart had several bands that were awarded top performances at NAMMB contests.
Additionally he served as president of NAMMB.
Stuart always enjoyed the camaraderie among Texas Bandmasters, especially those in the East
Texas area. Words cannot express the gratitude that Stuart felt for his mentors: Neil Grant, John “Pete”
Kunkel, and Jerry Hanszen.
On behalf of Stuart, his wife Sharon and the family wish to thank NAMMB for this prestigious
honor.
