👤 Who: Jody Dunn, Superintendent Marcus Chambers
📌 What: Awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Special Award, part of the Bandworld Legion of Honor
🗓️ When: Award presented during the annual Sousa Foundation ceremony at the Midwest Band Clinic (Chicago, Illinois)
📍 Where: Crestview High School, Crestview, Florida; recognition in Chicago, Illinois
❓ Why: For his long career in music education, leadership roles in the Florida Bandmasters Association, and contributions to the band profession
CRESTVIEW — Jody Dunn, band director at Crestview High School, has been recognized with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, highlighting his long-standing contributions to music education and his dedication to leading high-quality concert band programs.
Now in his 35th year as a band director and his 31st at his alma mater, Dunn has spent decades shaping the musical education of countless students. His ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association District and State Concert MPA, as well as at regional competitions, including the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival and the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.
The award is part of the Bandworld Legion of Honor, which was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding band directors who have demonstrated excellence for at least 15 years and made exceptional contributions to the band profession. Recipients are honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
Dunn’s career includes leadership positions within the Florida Bandmasters Association, such as District 1 Chairman, Ethics Committee Chair, Music Selection Committee member, and Marching Band Task Force Chair. His work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Oliver Hobbs Award from the Florida Bandmasters Association, the National Band Association Certificate of Merit, and the Otto J. Kraushaar Award, which he has received nine times.
In addition to his work at Crestview High School, Dunn is a member of the American School Band Directors Association and serves on the Phi Beta Mu International Board of Directors, a role that allows him to shape professional standards for band directors nationwide.
Dunn, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Music in Education, said his goal has always been to reach students through music and inspire them beyond the classroom. “I use music to reach students where they are and take them further than they ever imagined possible. My goal is to create lifelong consumers of music and advocates for artistic pursuits in all aspects of life,” he said.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Dunn’s impact on the community and students. “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Dunn and the legacy of excellence he has built at Crestview High School. His dedication to students, music education, and our community exemplifies the very best of what teaching can achieve. This recognition by the John Philip Sousa Foundation is a testament to his talent, leadership, and lifelong commitment to shaping young musicians,” Chambers said.
Through his decades of service, Dunn has helped establish Crestview High School as a center for musical excellence, fostering a culture where students develop technical skill, artistic expression, and a lifelong appreciation for music. His leadership continues to have a profound influence on both his students and the broader band community in Florida and beyond.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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