A special award of
The John Philip Sousa
Foundation
Things must be good in Titusville, Florida because that is where In Schwindt has been for all 20 years of his teaching. Schwindt went to Titusville after graduating from Wichita State with a Bachelors in Music, with a Business Emphasis. followed by a MM in Trombone Performance from Florida State.
What Schwindt has done for Titusville is probably best seen in some of the awards he has won, including:
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FMEA’s Secondary Music teacher of the Year
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FBA’s Oliver Hobbs Award
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Titusville High School Teacher of the Year
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FBA’s Tom Bishop Award for Dramatic Turnaround in a Program
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.
His love of music does not stop at the campus of Titusville; he serves his colleagues and his profession by holding various offices from district levels to state level. Some of these include:
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FMEA – Student Leadership Chair
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FMEA Rep to the Florida Schools of Music Association
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FBA District Chair
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FBA All-State Chair
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FBA President Elect
Schwindt speaks openly about the factors which shaped his career, “My first mentor was my elementary music teacher who ignited my musical passion through encouragement and musical stimulation. Continuing through middle school, high school and finally through my collegiate years I was blessed with teachers who fanned these flames into a roaring passion until I realized I had to pass this passion on to the next generation. Once I began my career I found myself surrounded by mentors who were incredible examples of what I wanted to be and they were always quick to help me on that journey.
The second significant factor is the students I teach. They have shaped me by showing me how to step beyond being a commanding teacher and instead move into becoming a teacher who goes on the journey with the students and simply facilitate their growth.
Finally, a third significant factor is the subject matter. I simply am enthralled with great music; the discovery of it, the study of it, and the performing of it. My passion for great music motivates me to continually strive to be a better teacher because I want to share this music with everyone. The better I teach music, the better I share music. The better I share music, the more excited those I share it with become about the great music. And once excited, those who share the passion for great music will have that passion forever.”
His philosophy, which obviously has served him well as is evident by the superior performances of his groups at both the district and the state levels, is this: “I believe that every student has the right and privilege to learn about and participate in music in all education regardless of social factors, economic barriers or cognitive/physical limitations. This music education must be of the highest possible quality that meets the students where they are and challenges them to achieve significant personal growth.”
