A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Dennis Webb is the instrumental music instructor in the Edgar School District in Edgar, Wisconsin, where he has taught middle school and high school level ensembles. His high school band and middle school band received “First Division Award” through the WSMA Concert Band Festival for 25 consecutive years, and his Jazz Ensemble received 18 consecutive “Star First” rating at District Solo and Ensemble with “First” rating at State Solo and Ensemble. Edgar High School also received 1st Place at the 2015 University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Jazz Festival for High School Big Band and 3rd in 2018. In 2006, the Middle School Band selected to perform at the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Band Association Convention received a “Citation of Excellence”, and the High School Band received that award in 2011.
Dennis received “Educator of the Year” in the Edgar School District numerous times.
Webb has served as Vice President and Board Member, Wisconsin Music Educators Association North Central Region, is a National Band Association Wisconsin Chapter Board Member and a Member of the Wisconsin Concert Band Association. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.
- The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to honor, over the course of a year, eight of the finest band directors in our business.
- Recipients have taught for at least fifteen years, have maintained a very high-quality concert band program, and have contributed significantly to the profession through dedication to bands and band music.
- Each is honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
- Chairman of the Legion of Honor Committee is Terry Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University.
When asked what factors do you consider most important in shaping your career, Dennis states, “Building strong relationships has been at the heart of my career as an educator. When I first started teaching, my focus was on competition and the technical aspects of music. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my role extends far beyond that. Teaching is about creating meaningful connections—with students, colleagues, and the community. Taking the time to truly know my students and understand their individual experiences has allowed me to build lasting bonds that support both their growth and my own. These connections create a welcoming and supportive environment, helping students feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and experiences, even outside of class. The relationships I’ve developed with colleagues have also made each day more rewarding, strengthening my passion for teaching and my commitment to continuous learning.
“My approach to teaching has been shaped not only by experience but also by the influence of my own teachers and mentors. Alan Marquardt (Bowler, WI), Paul Luhring (Marinette, WI), Dennis Glocke (UW-Stevens Point, Penn State), and Brian Martz (Low Brass Instructor) each played a role in shaping my perspective as an educator. Their guidance showed me that teaching music isn’t just about perfecting technique—it’s about inspiring and connecting with students in a meaningful way. The impact they had on me continues to guide my work, and I hope to pass that same sense of encouragement and support on to my students.”
His professional philosophy statement is, “I believe band should be accessible to every student, no matter their background or financial situation. Growing up in a family with limited resources, I’m especially grateful to my band director, Alan Marquardt of Bowler High School, for giving me the chance to play the euphonium—an instrument I hadn’t even heard of at the time—despite our inability to afford one. His generosity shaped my musical path, and I strive to offer that same opportunity to my own students.
“My goal is to build an inclusive environment where every student can engage with music, explore their potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. I work to keep all students involved because I’ve seen firsthand how being in band can transform lives.”
