Congratulations to Mr. Edward F. Protzman, Director of Bands at William Mason H.S., OH, the 2019 recipient of the George N. Parks Leadership in Music Education award. Mr. Protzman received the award during the opening finals ceremonies at the 2019 Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha on November 16.
Developed by NAfME, the National Association for Music Education, and Music for All, the award is named for George N. Parks (1953–2010), director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1977 until his death, and honors an exemplary music educator who embodies the characteristics and leadership that Mr. Parks personified.
Ensembles, under Mr. Protzman’s direction have consistently received top ratings in OMEA, KMEA, and PMEA large and small group festivals. His ensembles have been selected by audition to perform and present clinics at state conferences in Ohio, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. In 2019, the William Mason High School Wind Symphony performed as a featured ensemble at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival and was the Foundation for Music Education National Wind Band Honors Project Commended Winner.
As a clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Protzman has worked with groups across the United States and Canada. He has served as the conductor for the Doylestown Symphonic Winds, Pennsylvania Youth Wind Ensemble, and The University of Cincinnati Community Band. His undergraduate studies include music degrees from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and Moravian College. His graduate work includes a Master’s degree in Wind Conducting from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and an Artist’s Diploma in Wind Conducting from the University of Calgary. He is currently a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Ohio Music Educators Association, the National Band Association, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and the American School Band Directors Association.
Mr. Protzman believes that all things in music and life can be accomplished through personal commitment, firm determination, and strong support system. He would like to thank his wife Anne Protzman and his mentors Willis M. Rapp, Glenn D. Price, and Andrew Yozviak, for all they have helped him achieve. He would also like to thank colleague and friend Brandon Lesando and the incredible band faculty of Mason City Schools – Kayla Cavano, Chad Fourman, Johnnie Green, Zach Hinson, Avious Jackson, Jason Sleppy, and Joe Woodie.
Congratulations to Mr. LaMorte and thank you for all you do to help create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences for your students.
Prior recipients:
2018 David LaMorte
Assistant Principal of Visual, Performing, and Career Arts, Tottenville High School, NY
2017 Marisa Weinstein
Director of Bands, Warsaw Middle School in Pittsfield, ME
2016 Thom Hannum
Associate Director, Minutemen Marching Band, the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA
2015 Patrick M. Erwin
Director of Bands at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, GA
2014 Cynthia Napierkowski
Director of Bands at Salem High School in Salem, MA
2013 Dr. Barry Shepherd
Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools, NC
2012 Daniel Kirk
Blue Valley West, KS
2011 Dr. Peter Boonshaft
Hofstra University
