A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Wendi Bechtol-Davis teaches at Cory-Rawson Local Schools where she is the director of all instrumental music activities grades 5-12 including concert band, marching band, pep band, and jazz band. She also teaches 5th & 6th grade general music. Cory-Rawson bands performed at OMEA Professional Development Conference in 2013, 2017 and 2021, and have earned 17 State Superior ratings at OMEA adjudicated events during her tenure. She frequently presents sessions at OMEA PDC including “Incorporating Chamber Music into the Band Rehearsal,” “It’s OK if there isn’t a Starbucks Nearby: How to Thrive in a Small School Setting,” “Survey Says: Valuable Lessons for Young Educators (Family Feud Style)” and “Success at Large Group Adjudicated Events: What Your Adjudicators Would Like You to Know.”
Bechtol-Davis was selected by the Ohio School Boards Association as an honoree for a Northwest Ohio Region Humanitarian award for development and commitment to the Cory-Rawson “Helpful Hive”, a resource for students, community members and staff in need of food, hygiene items, clothing, or school supplies and created partnerships with the West Ohio Food Bank, City Mission & Chopin Hall to assure future sustainability of programs. She has served 5 years as collegiate advisor of the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association, state treasurer/board of trustees for the Ohio Music Education Association, and OMEA District 3 president. She received her teaching degree from Bowling Green State University.
- 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, Wendi states, “The most important factors in shaping my career have been the relationships I have built with my students, colleagues, administration, and community members. I believe music education is about far more than learning notes and rhythms–it is about fostering meaningful connections and using music as a vehicle to teach life lessons that extend well beyond the classroom. I strive to create an environment where students not only grow as musicians, but also as individuals who value self-discipline, collaboration, grit and resilience. In addition, I have been fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors who modeled both musical excellence and humility. Their guidance continues to inspire me to hold myself to the highest standard of musicianship while remaining grounded in the true purpose of teaching: to serve others.”
“My professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that music is an art form AND a powerful tool for teaching life lessons. I strive to inspire students to pursue excellence in musicianship while developing qualities such a grit, sound work ethic, and compassion for others. Building meaningful relationships with those I serve is central to my work, as I believe these connections provide the foundation for lasting growth. At its core, my philosophy is to use music as a way to nurture both strong musicians and well-rounded individuals who will carry these lessons beyond the rehearsal room and into every aspect of their lives.”
