A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Melissa Gustafson-Hinds is the Director of Bands and Performing Arts Department Chair at O’Fallon Township High School in O’Fallon, Illinois. She has been at O’Fallon for 16 of her 30 years of teaching. She had been active in the Illinois Music Education Association, holding offices since 2016 and is currently president of the band division. Melissa is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and has received the John Philip Sousa Sudler Flag of Honor and Shield.
Her ensembles have shared Concert Performance with the Air Force Band of Mid-America, performed at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival, University of Illinois Superstate, Illinois State University Band Festival, ILMEA All-State Conference, and the Midwest Clinic.
Melissa received her Bachelor Music Education degree from Illinois State University, her Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois, and her Doctorate Degree (Ed.D) in Teaching and Learning from the University of Missouri at St. Louis.
- 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, Melissa states, “I am hard-working. I initially did not have all the advantages that other students had entering college. I still maintain a strong work ethic. I know what it takes to provide the best for my students and it is my goal to do that. I relied on my former teachers and new mentors in my life for advisement, guidance, and friendship. I am grateful for everyone who has believed in me and given me an opportunity. My husband has been very understanding the time element that it takes to be a quality music educator. I have a large support system that allows me to do the job as I need to do it. He has also supported me in my additional projects with ILMEA and various clinician opportunities that I received.”
Her professional philosophy statement is, “I aim to always provide a quality music education to all students within my resources. Within this day and age, it is appropriate to stay “in tune” with trends in music education, along with student interests. A teacher must serve the students and provide them with experiences that will shape them in a positive manner for years to come.”
