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About the Rodney S. Miller Distinguished Music Educator Award
PURPOSE
To recognize and honor any retired music educator in PMEA District 7 who has demonstrated a long term commitment to music education and exemplary service to PMEA on a local and/or state level.
ELIGIBILITY
Any retired member in District 7 is eligible for the award upon their nomination by a PMEA member.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations may be submitted to the District 7 President at any time. Upon receiving the nomination for the award, the District 7 President will present the nomination to the District 7 Officers and C/I Committee at the next scheduled meeting for consideration of the nomination.
FREQUENCY OF AWARD
The award will be presented to any deserving retired music educator upon the nomination of the candidate by a PMEA member and the recommendation and approval of the District 7 Officers and C/I Committee. There will be no limit on the frequency of presenting the award not the number of approved award recipients in a given time period.
PRESENTATION
Whenever possible, the award will be presented to the recipient by a District 7 Officer or C/l Committee member at a public gathering, preferably a PMEA District 7 event.
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Dave Rohrer was presented the Rodney S. Miller Distinguished Service Award by Diane Maclay on April
24, 2016 during a Carlisle Town Band concert at First Lutheran Church, Carlisle.
Retiring in 2012 after a thirty-six year teaching career, Dave spent his first six years of teaching in the
East Pennsboro Area School District where his teaching duties included instrumental music lessons at all
grade levels, high school music theory, as well as directing the high school concert, marching, and jazz
bands. His final thirty years of teaching were in the Carlisle Area School District where he directed the
high school concert, symphonic, marching, and jazz bands. In addition, Dave taught elementary
instrumental music lessons, advanced high school music theory, directed the high school jazz combo,
and served as the Music Department Chairman, supervising a fifteen member staff in grades K-12.
Presently, he is the Band Director of the Carlisle Town Band, and is also an adjunct music faculty
member at Messiah College where he teaches Brass Methods, Instrumental Methods, and supervises
student teachers. Dave has also been an adjunct music instructor at Susquehanna University where he
directed the Symphonic Band in the fall of 2014, at Gettysburg College where he directed the jazz band
in the fall of 2012, and at Dickinson College where he taught trumpet from 1984-87. Other teaching
experiences have included brass instruction for the Westshoremen Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, the
Westshoremen Alumni Corps, the United States Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, and the
Bluecoats Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. Dave has also served as Band Director for the Pennsylvania
American Legion’s Keystone Boys State (15 years), directed the Pennsylvania State Lion’s Marching
Band, and guest conducted the West Shore School District’s High School Honors Band, Carlisle’s Grand
Sousa Concert, and Susquehanna University’s High School Honors Band Festival. He has served as
President of PMEA District 7, President of the Cumberland County Music Educators Association,
Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the (former) International Association for Jazz Education, has
been a member of PMEA’s All-State Selection committee, and currently serves as the PMEA District 7
Retired Music Educators Chair. Dave has also been a music adjudicator for the National Judges
Association and Drum Corps Associates. He has performed with the Buzz Jones Big Band and presently
performs with the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band. Dave is the recipient of the PMEA District 7
Citation of Excellence, American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service, American Legion Department of
Pennsylvania Outstanding Service Award, Finalist in Carlisle Area’s Finest Award, the WHTM-TV 27
Pennsylvania Proud Award, and was initiated into the Phi Beta Mu professional music fraternity in 2007.
He received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Susquehanna University, Master of
Music Degree from West Chester University, and Supervisory Certification from Millersville University.
Dave resides in Carlisle with his wife Stacy and daughter Sydney..
Diane Maclay has been an exemplary music educator, both in her dedication to her students and her colleagues. The testament to her teaching career includes being a past recipient of the PMEA District 7 Citation of Excellence Award in Music Education. She began her teaching career in the Mifflin County School District as an elementary vocal and instrumental teacher and assistant high school band director. The majority of her 37 year career was spent in the Cumberland Valley School District where her main emphasis of teaching was at the elementary level. During this time, Diane represented the music department on many school district committees and initiatives and served as a strong advocate for quality music education at the elementary level. She served as the founding chair of the Cumberland Valley Music Advocacy Committee. During her final seven years at Cumberland Valley, Mrs. Maclay was the Music Department Chair where she served as facilitator for professional development within her department as well the general educational population of the district. She also initiated the revision of all of the music curriculums within the school district.
Diane Maclay has done extensive work with and service to PMEA which includes having published articles in the PMEA News and Teaching Music journals. Her skill with management and foresight was recognized by PMEA which resulted in Mrs. Maclay serving as the Curriculum and Instruction Chair for District 7 for 7 years and C/I Elementary Representative for District 7 for 12 years. As a result of these organizational and leadership skills, she was a member of the PMEA Strategic Planning Committee as well as the Task Force for PMEA Governance Structure. Diane has been a presenter on various topics for the PMEA State Conference and District 7 Professional Development Days. In addition to being a clinician, she has served on the planning committees for the District 7 Professional Development Days. Most recently, Diane Maclay has served as PMEA District 7 President and currently is serving as PMEA District 7 Past President and Festival Chair. Her professionalism and ability to analyze and consider all sides of various topics are attributes of her five year presidential service. Her integrity, honesty, tenacity, perspective and convictions are earmarks of her management style.
Diane Maclay resides in Mechanicsburg with her husband, Samuel. As a retired music educator, she continues to stay involved with music education as a private piano teacher and music camp instructor and is actively involved with the music ministry in her church.
Carl Barr is a retired music educator from the South Eastern School District (York County). Throughout his thirty-seven years with South Eastern, Carl taught in all five buildings in the district and taught everything from elementary general music to high school choral music. He also pioneered the innovative and successful Music Technology program at Kennard-Dale High School that helped the district receive national acclaim by reaching all students through hands-on, creative music making.
Under his direction, the choral students at Kennard-Dale High School were frequent participants in PMEA District, Region, and All-State festivals. The Kennard-Dale HS Men’s Quartet was selected to perform at the 2008 PMEA All-State Conference in Hershey, PA. Carl also hosted PMEA District and Region choral festivals in 2002 and 2006. The choral ensembles he directed were constantly requested to perform at civic and social events around York County.
In 2002, Carl created the Kennard-Dale Music Technology program to reach more than just the students in “traditional” music ensembles. Hundreds of students were provided with hands-on music making experiences, students that would otherwise not have had the opportunity to be musically successful. Through the institution of this program, Mr. Barr was a frequent presenter at PMEA, MENC Eastern Division, MENC National, and TI:ME conferences. In 2006, the South Eastern School District was recognized as a “Model Music Education Program” largely due to the innovative Music Technology program. Kennard-Dale HS was also awarded the Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Golden Apple Award for Innovation in 2008 for excellence in education through the Music Technology program.
Carl has served as Piano Chair for District 7 Choral auditions for many years. When serving as PMEA D7 First Vice-president, he was instrumental in developing the rubric for the Scholarship Committee to use as a guide in determining their selection from the applicants. When serving as PMEA D7 First Vice-president, President, and Second Vice-president, he has been both a contributing member of the committee when planning the annual D7 Professional Development from providing recommendations, contacting prospective clinicians, volunteering to be a clinician, and substituting as a clinician when emergencies have arisen. In regard to professional development, this educator participated in the PMEA Planning or Listening Committee numerous times for planning for the annual PMEA Conferences. While serving the six-year presidential role for D7, Carl has covered various festivals as needed for the president when serving as vice-president. Currently, this professional serves as Festival Coordinator for D7, which requires endless hours of working with hosts of our PMEA high school festivals. As president, he was generous with his time, efforts, and energies in chairing work on the revisions of the D7 By-Laws and Policies and Procedures. As D7 President and Second Vice-president, Carl was supportive as well as helpful with the PMEA Geographic Orchestra Review Committee in the development of a revised Region Orchestra structure. He has served as both a presider and sergeant at arms at many PMEA Conferences/Conventions. In 2010, due to his accomplishments as a music educator, he was the recipient of the PMEA D7 Citation of Excellence. As a result of his organizational and leadership skills, he is a member of the PMEA Strategic Planning Committee. 
Mrs. Weber had taught in the Lower Dauphin School District from 1976 until her retirement in June, 2011. She was the string instructor and orchestra director at the middle school and high school for her entire tenure and at the elementary level during the first 19 years in the school district. While working in the district, Mrs. Weber served music department coordinator. She obtained a B.S. in Music Education and a Master of Music from West Chester University. Additional graduate course work was done at Penn State, IUP, LVC, Peabody Conservatory, Temple University, Ohio State University, and East Stroudsburg State College.
Mrs. Weber has performed as a violist in the Harrisburg Symphony, the Hershey Symphony, and the Central Pennsylvania Symphony where she served as principal violist and where she currently serves as assistant conductor. She served as conductor of the Harrisburg Junior Youth String Orchestra for 18 years and string coach for Harrisburg Youth Symphony for 34 years.
As an educator, Mrs. Weber serves on the board of PMEA District 7 and PADESTA. Currently, she is serving as PMEA District 7 First Vice President. Recently, Mrs. Weber served at the state level as the PMEA Orchestra Content Representative on the Professional Development Operations Council and the District 7 Representative on the Orchestra Geographic Review Committee. She has also served as a clinician and co-reviewer for the PMEA Journal. She has served on the planning committees for the convention and served on committees for conductor evaluation, for developing a rubric/scoring guide for scoring district instrumental auditions for PMEA District 7, for developing guidelines for the PMEA District 7 Youth String Fest, and selecting and/or revising the district viola solos for PMEA District 7.
In regard to community or professional involvement, she has served on the executive board of the Board of Directors for the Central Pennsylvania Symphony in the capacity of president, vice-president, and board member (currently), on the executive board of PSOA as president, and on the executive board of PADESTA (currently) as treasurer. Mrs. Weber has also served as a member of the Arts Review Committee of the PATT Project for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Mrs. Weber has been awarded teaching awards including the 1997 PADESTA with PSOA String Teacher of the Year Award, 2004 PADESTA Orchestra Director of Year Award, and 2011 PADESTA Distinguished Service Award, 2000 SBO 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference, Who's Who in American Teachers, and the Lower Dauphin Classroom Teacher of the Year in 1980.
James L. Dunn graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1964 with a B.S. in Music Education and from the University of Michigan with a M.M. in Music Education. From 1964-1999, he taught instrumental music in the Susquehanna Township School District at both the elementary and middle school levels and was also assistant high school marching band director for twenty years.
A former member of the Harrisburg Symphony for twenty-eight years, he was also the host and assistant director of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony.
He was adjunct instructor of woodwinds at Lebanon Valley College from 1970-1979 and Dickinson College from 2000-2004.
A former active member of DCMEA, PMEA and MENC, he has hosted Dauphin County Band Festivals and PA All-State Band.
He is a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.
He was the guest conductor of Dauphin County Elementary Band in 1980 and the Central Dauphin Elementary Honors Band in 1994.
He was a member of the Harrisburg Concert Band since its beginning until 2005. He was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony for about ten years. He freelances in the Harrisburg area at various churches, with the Harrisburg Choral Society, Theatre Harrisburg and area high school musical productions. He currently plays with the Egerlander Musikanten German Band.
He is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church Choir, 15 South 4th Street, Harrisburg where he sings tenor and plays a variety of instruments.
Dr. Ron Schafer, a native of District 7, has spent most of his musical career teaching and conducting in the Central Pennsylvania area, and during this time served as String Specialist and Director of Orchestras for 36 years in the Derry Township Public Schools, Hershey, prior to his retirement. This year he is retiring as Music Director of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held for 42 seasons.
During these years, Ron was invited to conduct various County, District, and Regional Orchestras in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. He served as All-State Festival Chairman from 1979-1985 for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and in 1991 was selected to be Guest Conductor of the Pennsylvania All-State Orchestra, performing in Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. As Conductor and Administrator for the “American Music Abroad” organization, he traveled to Europe for 6 summer concert tours with its orchestra and performed in many renowned concert venues.
Ron has served as conductor of the Messiah College Orchestra, The Hershey Symphony Orchestra, The Central Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra, and The Harrisburg Opera Orchestra. He received a memorable conducting opportunity, when as conductor of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, he performed with a visiting piano virtuoso from Guatamala, receiving an invitation the following season to guest conduct the Guatamala National Symphony Orchestra in Guatamala City. As an adjunct professor, he has taught string methods and music enrichment courses for Elizabethtown College, Lebanon Valley College, and The Pennsylvania State University, at Middletown.
A violinist, and former member of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Ron continues his interest and support of educational and cultural activities for youth by serving on the Education Committee of the Harrisburg Symphony Association, guest conducting, participating in conferences as a clinician, and adjudicating Music Festivals. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from West Chester University, and a Masters Degree and Doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University.
Ron lives in Hummelstown with his wife Debi, and canine family, Dalai, a Tibetan Terrier, and Jesse, a Bearded Collie. His interest in sports cars over the years has not waned, and he continues to enjoy participating in Porsche driving events at race tracks throughout the mid-atlantic region. 
Duane Botterbusch is a bassist, music educator and orchestra conductor. He is a member of both the Harrisburg and York Symphony Orchestras and is principal bassist of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Shippensburg Festival Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet Orchestra and the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Botterbusch, retired from public school teaching, taught secondary school strings and served as the Music Department Chair for the Gettysburg Area School District. His orchestras earned excellent competition ratings in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Toronto, Canada and the Bahamas. The former conductor of the Gettysburg College Orchestra, Mr. Botterbusch is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Gettysburg College where he teaches studio double bass and string methods classes. Botterbusch is also instructor of Double Bass at Shepherd University where he is responsible for orchestral double bass studies. He is bass instructor and junior high orchestra director at the annual string orchestra camp at Messiah College. He has been a guest conductor throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Mr. Botterbusch earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Mansfield University and Master of Music Degree from West Chester University. Private double bass study included work at Ithaca College with Henry Neubert and Barry Green at the University of Cincinnati. In 1997 Mr. Botterbusch was chosen Outstanding Studio Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania/Delaware chapter of the American String Teacher's Association. In April of 2005, he was awarded the Outstanding Orchestra Director of the Year award by the same organization. A past president of the Adams County Music Educator's Association, Mr. Botterbusch holds membership in the American String Teacher's Association and the International Society of Bassists.
Ken Husler received the PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award on May 18, 2010 at the Manheim Township High School Spring Symphonic Band Concert. Presenting the award was Mr. Eric R. Dundore, PMEA District 7 President, accompanied by Mr. Frank Caravella, nominating PMEA member and music teacher in the Manheim Township School District.
Ken retired in 2009 following 34 years as a music educator in the Manheim Township School District, Lancaster PA. During his tenure at Manheim Township, Ken taught high school concert band, jazz band, marching band, high school elective music classes, middle school concert band, began the middle school jazz band program in 1976, taught elementary band and string instrument classes, kindergarten classroom music, and also served as the K-12 Music Chairperson and K-5 Music Coordinator.
Ken graduated from East Pennsboro High School in 1970, holds the Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Millersville University, the Master of Education from West Chester University, and the Supervisory Certification in Music Education from Millersville University.
Some of the highlights of Ken’s professional career include the following:
Served as District 7 PMEA President from 1988-1990
Received the 1996 PMEA District 7 Citation of Excellence Award
The Manheim Township High School Jazz Band was accepted into the 1976-1977 PMEA All-State Jazz Band Competition held in Pittsburgh at that year’s State Conference
Hosted PMEA Lower District 7 Band in 1983 and 1994
Hosted PMEA Region V Band in 1985
Served on several PMEA All-State Conference Planning Committees
Served as LLMEA (Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association) President from 1989-1991
Hosted LLMEA Band Festivals three times
Served as Guest Conductor for LLMEA Symphonic Band Festivals three times
Served as President of the Cavalcade of Bands Association from 1998-2000.
Served as a conductor and Head Director for American Music Abroad for 15 years
Throughout his professional career, Ken has maintained a private home studio where he has specialized in the instruction of clarinet and saxophone. As well, he has been a very active band adjudicator, arranger, and composer. He has recently been commissioned to write pieces for the Manheim Township High School Symphonic Band, the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association 2009 Band South Symphonic Band, and the Franklin and Marshall College Brass Ensemble. As well, Ken writes the marching band programs for the Manheim Township and York Suburban School Districts.
Ken and his wife Linda, who teaches music in the Penn Manor School District, live in Lancaster. Menchey Music Service, Hanover PA presently employs Ken as a school services representative. Ken would like to take this opportunity to credit the following persons for his much-appreciated career as a music educator: his parents Kenneth H. and Patricia R. Husler, his wife Linda B. Husler, his children Kristen M. Bound and Matthew S. Husler, Mr. David Hackenberg, former East Pennsboro High School Band Director, Mr. John W. Colangelo, professor emeritus of music at Millersville University, and Mr. Harold Rothenberger, former band director and K-12 Music Department Chairperson at Manheim Township and former PMEA District 7 President.
Kathleen Yeater served as the Director of Orchestras and string specialist in the Southern York County School District for the 32 years. Her teaching responsibilities included students in grades 3 thru 12. During her tenure, the Susquehannock High School Orchestra and the Susquehannock String Quartet were selected to perform at the PMEA State Conference several times. Mrs. Yeater’s students were frequent members of the PMEA District 7, Region IV/V and PA All-State Orchestras. During the years of the alternating of National and All-Eastern States Orchestras, there were 10 consecutive years that at least one of her Susquehannock students was in each of these higher level orchestras. No other school in the state of PA had such a record. Many of Mrs. Yeater’s students remain active musicians; working as teachers, performers, or both.
Mrs. Yeater is a graduate of West York High School, and of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is currently in her sixteenth year as director of the York Junior Symphony Orchestra. The York Junior Symphony has performed at the PMEA conference under her direction. The orchestra has also placed first on many occasions, receiving Superior ratings at competitions. Mrs. Yeater directed the St. Matthew Lutheran Sunday School Orchestra for 20 years. She served 16 years on the board of the York Youth Symphony Orchestra. She plays violin with the York Symphony Orchestra, has served as personnel coordinator of the York Symphony Orchestra, and is first violinist in the Salem String Quartet.
In 1996, Mrs. Yeater received the National School Orchestra Director of the Year Award. This award, given by the National School Orchestra Association, is presented to one individual in the nation each year. She is past president of the Pennsylvania chapter of the National School Orchestra Association. Mrs. Yeater is a recipient of the Citation of Excellence given by the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association. She has received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the South Central PA Joint Council for School Improvement. In 2000, Mrs. Yeater was selected by the School Band and Orchestra magazine as the Outstanding Music Educator for the state of Pennsylvania. In 2003, Mrs. Yeater was honored by PADESTA/NSOA as the recipient of the Outstanding Orchestra Director in the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. She is currently serving as President-elect of PADESTA (Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter of American String Teachers Association).
Mrs. Yeater and her husband Bob live in York. They are the parents of four daughters, and have three granddaughters.
Following graduation in 1955 from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in Music Education, Lynette began her teaching experience at Milton Hershey School as an elementary vocal and piano instructor. She spent the next 42 years there in that capacity, eventually moving from Kindergarten through the fifth grade and into the Middle School.
In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Lynette developed the Memorial Hall Choir (for fourth and fifth graders) and later the Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus. These groups were responsible for singing at least seven worship services per year as well as providing entertainment for dinners, elementary schools, retirement homes, TV appearances, and area church and civic group functions. She also produced, wrote or adapted many Christmas Pageants and MHS Parent Weekend programs at the elementary and middle school level.
Along the way she earned her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lehigh University, and further supplemented her career growth by attending summer music sessions over a thirty-five year period both in and out of state.
In 1958 Lynette joined the Dauphin County Music Educators Association. This gave her the opportunity to bring the County Choral experience to the fifth and sixth graders at MHS. In 1964 she took her turn as the Treasurer for DCMEA and continued in that position past her retirement in 1997 until the Fall of 2008. Lynette worked tirelessly in that important leadership role for 44 years supporting hundreds of participating students and dozens of colleagues.
In 1989 Lynette Waller received the Silver Beaver Award for noteworthy service and exceptional character to youth – given by the Keystone Area Boy School Council. She was given the Teacher of Excellence Award from the Milton Hershey School in 1992, and in 2008 an honorary membership in the MHS Alumni Association for her service to students. This year along with the Rodney Miller Distinguished Service Award from our own District 7, Lynette will be inducted into the MHS Spartan Hall of Fame.
Dr. Higgins spent 40 years teaching music in District 7 of PMEA, (4 years as Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at Big Spring Junior/Senior High School and 36 years as Professor of Music and Computer Education at Messiah College).
• He is a past president of the Cumberland County Music Educators Association.
• He established the first Technology in Music Education Clinics at the PMEA Annual Conferences.
• He served for several years on the PMEA conference planning committee for Technology Applications in Music Education.
• He has presented clinics at MENC conferences in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, Tennessee, and Florida.
• He has presented numerous Technology clinics and workshops for District 7 inservice programs.
• He taught Technology Applications in Music Education at The University of Miami, Kent State University, Penn State, and Messiah College.
• Since 1983, he has written over 120 articles and software reviews for the Pennsylvania Music Educators News and continues in that capacity today.
Rodney Miller was awarded the District 7 Distinguished Service Award posthumously on October 10, 2005 during the opening ceremonies of the PMEA District 7 In-service program held at Gettysburg College. The award was presented to Rodney’s wife, Kim Miller, by District 7 President David Rohrer and Secretary/Treasurer Robert Rhine.
Rod was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and had done graduate work at VanderCook College, the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, West Chester University, and the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. He began his teaching career at Cedar Crest High School for one year and then moved to the Lebanon School District where he taught strings in grades three through twelve for 17 years. Rodney also directed the middle school jazz band. For the last seven years, he was the elementary instrumental music instructor. Rod ran the instrumental summer lessons program and initiated a scholarship program for students who could not afford to pay for summer lessons. He was also actively involved with the Cedar Foundation, an organization that helped to get instruments to students who could not afford them in the Lebanon School District.
Rodney was a well known composer and arranger. He was a six time ASCAP Standard Award winner and had recently received the Creative Achievement Award from Lebanon Valley College. His works have been published by Warner Brothers, Shawnee Press, Alfred, and Twin Elm. Rod served as the music arranger for the Lebanon Valley College Marching Band and arranged and performed with the Dave Stahl Sacred Orchestra. For the past 22 years, Rod was co-musical director/arranger for the Timbers Dinner Theater in Mount Gretna.
Rod served as President of the Lebanon-Lancaster Music Educators Association from 1994-1996, PMEA District 7 President from 2000-2003, and was a candidate on the 2005 ballot for PMEA State President. He also served on many conference planning committees and hosted numerous festivals.
Rodney died of a heart attack on February 7, 2005 at age 49. He leaves behind Kim, his wife of 25 years, and son, Andrew. In honor of Rodney’s contributions to PMEA, District 7, and music education, the name of this award was changed to the Rodney S. Miller Distinguished Service Award on October 10, 2005.
Irene received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from Lebanon Valley College and did additional music study at the University of Pennsylvania. She taught in the Warwick and Middletown school districts and retired from Central Dauphin High School where she served as Director of Choral Activities for many years.
She is a past president of the Dauphin County Music Educators Association, served on district level personnel and music selection committees, and was a member of the Southern Executive Council. Irene also served on the MENC “Music in American Life” committee and was on the Eastern Division committee to study “Administrative Problems in the Secondary Schools of Smaller Cities.”
In addition, Irene served District 7 and PMEA as Secretary/Treasurer and PMEA State Executive Director from 1955 until her retirement in 1996.
Mr. LeFevre holds the Bachelor of Science in Music Education and the Master of Education in Music degrees from West Chester University. He studied with Dr. Arthur Jones for his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting and also studied organ with Dr. Jones and Dr. George Volkel at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. He has done additional study at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, and the Saratoga-Potsdam Choral Institute. Mr. LeFevre retired in 1998 after 42 years with the Chambersburg Area School District where he was Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Vocal Music at Chambersburg Area Senior High School for 29 years.
Mr. LeFevre served as the District 7 Choral Tryout Chairman for 27 years, retiring from this duty in 2002. He received the District 7 Citation of Excellence in 1987 and is a Nationally Registered and Nationally Certified Music Educator with MENC. Ferree is a member of West Chester University’s School of Music Advisory Board, is Dean of the Chambersburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is a member of the Cumberland Valley Theatre Organ Society. In addition, he has served as Director of Music at Mann Memorial Methodist Church, Augusta, Georgia, Central Presbyterian Church, Chambersburg, and is currently in his 20th year as Director of Music for St. John’s United Church of Christ in Chambersburg.
He is a member and past President of the Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club, past President and 40 year member of the Board of the Chambersburg Community Concert Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, American Choral Directors Association, The Organ Historical Society, Harrisburg Consistory and Zembo Shrine, and has completed a six year term on the Board of Directors for the Chambersburg Council for the Arts.
Ferree resides in Chambersburg with his wife, Mary-Jane Giering LeFevre.
Carol received her BS in Music Education and Master in Music Education degrees from West Chester University, with advanced study at several universities and colleges in the United States and abroad. She began her teaching career in 1953 as a classroom, choral and instrumental music teacher in Roaring Creek Valley District, continuing in Wiconnisco, Lykens, Williamston, Upper Dauphin, and Williams Valley school districts. Carol was a member of Millersville University’s music faculty from 1974 until her retirement in 1994. During her tenure at Millersville, she was a supervisor of student teaching, director of the women’s choir and handbell ensemble, taught elementary and secondary method courses, and was a vocal instructor. Carol also served as assistant music department chair and was named Associate Professor Emeritus.
Carol served as PMEA State President and MENC Eastern Division President. She is listed in “Who’s Who in American Education”, is a recipient of the PMEA James R. Stewart Distinguished Service Award, PMEA District 7 and District 10 Distinguished Service Awards, MENC Award of Achievement, and the MENC Eastern Division Award for Outstanding Service and Contributions to Music Education.
She has been a keynote speaker at MENC division and PMEA state conferences and the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association conference. Carol served as Pennsylvania’s representative to the advisory council of the National Commission on Instruction of Music in Education, was coordinator of “Music In Our Schools Month” and initiated “Classroom Music in the Rotunda”. She also served as a PMEA Curriculum and Instruction coordinator, membership chair, and chaired the Executive Director search committee in 1955.
Carol was the choral director for the American Music Abroad Tour to Europe for 16 years, a 40-year director of Lykens United Methodist Church’s five vocal choirs and three handbell choirs, and was guest conductor for numerous MENC Eastern-Division and PMEA regional, district, county, and church choral festivals. She has also served as an adjudicator for Musicfest Orlando, Music in the Parks, Fine Arts Festivals, Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, and evaluator/review specialist for school districts, colleges, and universities in Pennsylvania and throughout the east coast. For over 30 years, Carol presented workshops and sessions on learning stations and centers, open classroom, and youth choirs at in-service programs and district and state conferences and meetings.
Jim received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1952. He taught briefly in the Chestnut Ridge School District in Bedford County, was drafted and served in the Army as a regimental organist, taught in Sharpsville in the 1960’s, directed the chorus and taught at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. He served as president of District 7, when it was the Southern District, from 1971 to 1972. He served as vice-president of PMEA from 1972 to 1974. He became the president of PMEA from 1974 to 1976. During this time he provided the leadership for two state conferences. He served a second term from 1990 to 1992 and guided two more conferences.
Jim is most proud of being part of the changes that occurred during terms in office. Changes were made in the District 7 Band and Orchestra tryout procedures. When he was PMEA president, changes were made as to how the state conferences were organized. Jim is also proud of his work on the National Coalition and the Pennsylvanian Alliance for the Arts, two advocacy groups that assisted in saving and promoting art and music.
Shirley H. Miller received the PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award at a presentation which was made as part of the District 7 Youth String Fest on Saturday, March 23, 2001 at Warwick High School, Lititz, PA. Presenting the award to Mrs. Miller were District 7 President, Rodney S. Miller and Lower Dauphin School District Orchestra Director, Marie Weber.
Shirley Miller recently retired from the Cumberland Valley School District where she developed the string and orchestra program over twenty-five years. In addition she taught vocal music and strings in other schools in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Mrs. Miller graduated from Manheim Township High School, Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, and Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg with a Masters of Arts in the Humanities. She played violin with the Little Orchestra of Harrisburg, the Harrisburg Symphony(including 2 years on the Board), the Eaken String Quartet, church groups, theater ensembles, and many other local performing groups. At the present, she performs with the Capitol Piano Trio in the Harrisburg area.
She has been active in professional music organizations serving as secretary of Cumberland County Music Educators Association from 1976-1980, secretary of the state National School Orchestra Association from 1986-1990, member of the Committee for Adjudication Festivals of PMEA 1986-1988, on the development committee for the Carlisle Arts Magnet School in the early 1990's, and the PA state chair of student groups for the American String Teachers Association thru 1996-1998. Shirley has been a member of PMEA, MENC, AF of M, SAI, ASTA, NSOA, PSEA, NEA. She has maintained an active interest in the American Association of University Women since 1975, acting as program chair, cultural chair, and other offices.
Mrs. Miller has also been a guest conductor for local musical groups including the Dauphin County Elementary Orchestra in both 1988 and 1997, Dauphin County Junior High Orchestra in 1981, Cumberland County Orchestra in 1996, Lancaster/Lebanon County Orchestra in 1998, District 7 Elementary Orchestra Festival in 1998, the Jr. High Orchestra of Washington County, Md. in 1998, and the Central Dauphin Honors Orchestras Festival in 2001. She has also acted as an adjudicator for the Cumberland County Middle School Festivals and the Hershey Park Music Festivals.
In 1995, Mrs. Miller was recognized by the Pennsylvania State Unit of ASTA as the Public School Teacher of the Year and also the Pennsylvania State Orchestra Award of NSOA as the Director of the Year. Since then she has been chosen to be published in the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" 1996 by outstanding students.
Currently, Shirley is teaching strings part-time at Trinity High School in Camp Hill, volunteers on the education committee of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and chairs the HSO Symphony Society. In her words: "Music is more than notes. I would always try to paint word pictures while my students were learning notes so they could communicate feelings."
The PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Patricia L. Walter on Saturday, March 16, 2002 at the Elementary Song Fest. The Song Fest was hosted by Lebanon School District, the district from which she retired. The award was presented by her daughter, Heather Buffington, Northern Lebanon School District and District 7 Chair of the Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Diane Maclay.
Here are some highlights of the many accomplishments of Mrs. Walter. She developed one of the first elementary handbell programs in the state. For nineteen years they performed for many organizations and churches in the area. They also performed at PMEA conferences three times. In 1998, they were featured in a PMEA News article because their video clip had been part of the World's Largest Concert. Twice she served as clinician for the Malmark Handbell Company at PMEA Conferences. Two times she was awarded an Exemplary Handbell in Education Award by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
She was the church choir director at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Lebanon for nine years, and taught piano, voice and saxophone privately for nineteen years. She has performed as vocal soloist for many church and civic functions in several states. She hosted the District 7 Elementary Song Fest in 1997. She has received many awards and honors including the PMEA 25 Year Award, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, American Guild of English Handbell Ringers Read and Ring scholarship winner, and Outstanding Young Woman Award. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teachers society. She is a nationally registered music teacher with MENC. She was elected by her peers to the Lebanon County Educational Honor Society, and was the recipient of the Lebanon Valley College Alumni Award Citation. Currently, she directs a church bell choir, and a boy choir. She is the president of the Harmonia Music Club in Lebanon, teaches piano workshops for adults, and teaches music to elementary education majors at Lebanon Valley College.
During the presentation, Heather Buffington said, "She always has activities in her life that give her opportunities to teach music. I am very proud of her successful career. I am thankful that she has been so willing to give of herself and her talents. She was a volunteer mentor for my first year of teaching and is now my chorus accompanist. She has touched the lives of countless students and adults with her love of music and excellent teaching style."
Bruce Weaver received the PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award on January 12, 2002 at the District 7 Upper Band Festival concert which was held at Shippensburg High School, Shippensburg, PA. Presenting the award was Rodney S. Miller, PMEA District 7 President.
Mr. Weaver retired in 1993 after 35 years as a music educator in the Palmyra Area School District. During his tenure at Palmyra, he taught elementary, junior high and high school instrumental music and choral music. During the last 15 years of his career, he served as director of the Palmyra Area High School Concert Band, Marching Band, Chorus and Jazz Band and was also chair of the Music Department.
His service to PMEA District 7 as Band/Orchestra Audition Chair commenced in 1972 and ended in 1993 following his retirement from the teaching profession. During his 21-year tenure as District 7 Band/Orchestra Audition Chair, Mr. Weaver earned the respect and admiration of the participating music educators and student musicians. His excellent organizational skills, sense of humor and high level of professionalism provided District 7 with many years of outstanding leadership and service.
In addition to his career as a music educator, Mr. Weaver was active as a conductor and performing musician. He served as choir director at Trinity UCC in Palmyra for 16 years. As a trumpet player, he has performed with the Bainbridge Concert Band, The Nomads dance orchestra, Don Peebles Big Band and the New Holland Band.
Mr. Weaver is currently employed on a part time basis by Loser's Music Store in Lebanon, PA and enjoys traveling with his wife RuthAnn. His family also includes sons Michael, David and Eric Weaver.
Harlan A. Daubert received the PMEA Distinguished Service Award on January 20, 2001 at the Lebanon-Lancaster Music Educators Association Band Festival concert which was held at Northern Lebanon High School, Fredericksburg, PA. Presenting the award were Wayne C. Fox, Music Educator, Cornwall-Lebanon School District, Suzanne Daubert Fox, Music Educator, Northern Lebanon School District and Lebanon Valley College and Rodney S. Miller, PMEA District 7 President.
Mr. Daubert began his teaching career in 1949 in the Northern Lebanon School District. During his 37 years as an outstanding music educator and band director at Northern Lebanon Junior and Senior High School, his bands received state, national and international acclaim. He served at President of PMEA District 7 in 1978-80 and served as the host director for both District 7 and Region V Band festivals at Northern Lebanon High School. He has received many personal honors, including the Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Lebanon County Honor Society, the Excellence in Music Award, presented by the Lebanon County Choral Society, and the Lebanon Valley College Alumni Association Citation. He continues to be an active musician, being organist and choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Lebanon, PA. He is also a member of Phi Beta Mu, an honorary bandmaster's fraternity.
Kenneth C. Hays received the PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award on January 27, 2001 at the District 7 Chorus Festival concert which was held at Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, PA. Presenting the award were Diane M. Maclay, PMEA District 7 Curriculum and Instruction chair and Rodney S. Miller, PMEA District 7 President. Mr. Hays retired in 1999 from the position of Supervisor for the Visual and Performing Arts with the Cumberland Valley School District.
During his teaching career, he served as President of both PMEA District 7 and the Cumberland County Music Educators Association. Under his leadership, the District 7 Elementary Song Fest was initiated, with the first performance in the Cumberland Valley School District. In addition, he has served PMEA as a member of the State Executive Board, for many years as chair of Opera Concerns.
Robert F. Rhine received the PMEA District 7 Distinguished Service Award on February 10, 2001 at the District 7 Upper Band Festival concert which was held at Waynesboro High School, Waynesboro, PA. Presenting the award were Don Schade, Music Educator, Annville-Cleona School District and Rodney S. Miller, PMEA District 7 President.
Mr. Rhine has had a long record of outstanding service to District 7 and PMEA. He has served as the District 7 Secretary/Treasurer for the past 22 years. His continuous years of service as District 7 Secretary/Treasurer has provided District 7 with a cohesive thread of information record keeping and leadership since 1980.
He started his teaching career at Atlantic City High School, where he taught for four years. In 1968, he began his tenure as director of bands at Cedar Crest High School, Lebanon, PA. During his teaching career in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District, he hosted District Band and Orchestra festivals and served as host the District Band and Orchestra auditions for five years.
Mr. Rhine has conducted the Perseverance Band of Lebanon and the Keystone Band of Rehresburg. In addition, he performs regularly on tuba and can been heard performing with the brass sextet, "Top Brass."
Robert Zellner was professor of music and director of bands and music department chair at Gettysburg College until his retirement in 1997. He served Gettysburg College for 29 years. Prior to his tenure at Gettysburg College, he taught instrumental music at East Stroudsburg Area Schools. Zellner has conducted numerous All-State and honors bands and has served as a clinician and adjudicator. He has won many awards and is a member and has held leadership roles in many music education organizations.
Mr. Zellner received the District 7 Distinguished Service Award at the District 7 Professional Development Workshop on October 9, 2000. Presenting the award to Mr. Zellner were Dr. Sharon Davis Gratto, Gettysburg College, Rodney S. Miller, District 7 President, Diane M. Maclay, District 7 Curriculum and Instruction Chair, Anthony Maiello, George Mason University, and Dr. John W. Jones, Gettysburg College.
The leadership of District 7 is able to present Distinguished Service Awards to as many qualified nominees as it sees fit, and was able to present two awards in 2000. The second recipient of this award was Richard L. Kline. Dick Kline was a choral music educator in the Pequea Valley and Hempfield School District. Mr. Kline was well known for his quality choral programs as well as his extensive leadership in the field of music education. Dick is a past president of PMEA District 7 and the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association. He has hosted choral festivals at the county, District 7 and All-State levels.
Mr. Kline was nominated for this award by his colleague William Powers, who comments: " As a music educator, Dick Kline spent his entire career helping young people excel musically. As Hempfield's Music Supervisor, he touched the lives of thousands of students through his influence in the development of classroom music programs, curriculum, and performing groups. I believe that Dick Kline, through his many contributions to the improvement of music education locally, regionally, and through PMEA, is very worthy of the Distinguished Service Award." District 7 President James Kimmel presented the award to Mr. Kline at this years PMEA District 7 Choral Festival.
On Sunday, April 30, 2000 the District 7 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. George Curfman as part of the Lebanon Valley College Orchestra concert. Dr. Curfman served as a professor of music education at Lebanon Valley College for 34 years, molding the careers of countless music educators. Dr. Curfman retired from LVC in 1996. Since that time, he has remained active in PMEA activities, served as interim chair of the LVC music department and has taught music education courses at Elizabethtown College. In her nomination of Dr. Curfman for this award, Dr. Mary Lemons stated, "I believe that Dr. Curfman's high quality music teaching and his leadership in PMEA has significantly contributed to the growth and high standard of music teaching in central Pennsylvania as well as the entire state. His years of dedication to the music education profession make him a worthy candidate for the PMEA Distinguished Service Award. "Participating in the presentation were LVC MENC President Lindsay Shattuck, District 7 President-elect Rodney Miller, and outgoing C/l Chair, Cindy Conway.
