Congratulations to LMEA’s 2025 award recipients
Hall of Fame: This award honors LMEA members who, by virtue of their contributions to music education and to LMEA, are recognized as being the most highly regarded professional leaders in music education in Louisiana. Nominees may be living or deceased, active or retired.
This award will be presented at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Grand Ballroom C, D prior to the All-State Middle School String Orchestra Concert.
Hall of Fame – Robin M. Hochkeppel
Robin M. Hochkeppel recently retired after teaching for 30 years at all levels, kindergarten through college, in the areas of instrumental music, elementary music, general music, jazz and collegiate studio instruction. Her most recent employment was with the Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy in Youngsville, Louisiana, where she taught 6th-8th grade band as well as K-5 music. Previously, Ms. Hochkeppel was the band director at Edgar Martin Middle School, where over 400 students were in the band program; assistant band director at Lafayette High School; band director at South Wayne Junior High in Indianapolis, Indiana; adjunct instructor of bassoon and oboe at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; and adjunct faculty at Butler University. She has maintained a private woodwind studio for over 40 years.
Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Hochkeppel’s concert and jazz bands consistently received superior ratings at Louisiana District and State Assessments as well as various music festivals in and out of state. Her school and private students have regularly been selected for District and State Honor Bands, and many have gone on to become private instructors, band directors, and professional musicians.
Ms. Hochkeppel attended Eastern Washington University, Butler University where she received the Bachelor of Music in Education degree, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she graduated with honors and received the Master of Music degree with an emphasis in woodwind performance. She has studied with Wendall Jones, William Ludwig, William Hochkeppel, Charles Rader, Rosemary Lang, Art Riedel, and Andrea Lowey.
Ms. Hochkeppel has been guest clinician for numerous area honor bands, judged for district festivals, and presented clinics at the LBA and LMEA state conventions. She co-authored The LMEA Handbook for New Instrumental Music Directors as well as the Lafayette Parish Instrumental Music Scope and Sequence/Curriculum Guide. She was a reviewer for the National Core Arts Standards and was on the LDOE State Music Curriculum Guide and Lesson Plan Committee. Most recently, she contributed an article to the LMEA Louisiana Musician entitled, “Practical Tips For Making Your Bassoon Players Better,” and authored the chapter “Pedagogies for Teaching Bassoon” in the comprehensive textbook entitled “Teaching Instrumental Music: Contemporary Perspectives and Pedagogies,” by Brian Powell, Kristen Pellegrino and Quincy Hilliard. (Editors)
Ms. Hochkeppel was named “Band Director of the Year” by Phi Beta Mu, was twice awarded “Bandmaster of the Year” by the Louisiana Bandmasters Association and is an LEF and United Way “Teacher of the Year” nominee. She has been awarded the “Shining Star Award” at ARCA and has been “Staff Member of the Month” multiple times. She has served as president, All-Star Coordinator, and member at large for the Louisiana Bandmasters Association, as well as secretary for the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors Association.
Additionally, Ms. Hochkeppel is a freelance musician and has performed with groups such as the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, the Acadian Wind Symphony, Chorale Acadienne, the Skyliners Big Band, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra.
Ms. Hochkeppel is a charter member of the Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association and is a member of NAfME, LMEA, SLBDA, Phi Beta Mu, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi.
Distinguished Legacy. This award recognizes an individual for lifetime achievement of distinguished service to the profession, supporting the mission and goals of the Louisiana Music Educators Association.
The awards will be presented at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom C, D prior to the All-State Concert Band Concert.
Distinguished Legacy – Carolyn Herrington
Carolyn Herrington has given an immense part of her life to serving LMEA over the last 40 years. In the final analysis, each and every position and duty she fulfilled for LMEA was done for the right reason in an exemplary manner. Many have done much over the past eight decades, but Mrs. Herrington was a “cut above.” She became a significant difference maker who helped shape music education in Louisiana, not just for a moment but for our complete history.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska an “Air-Force brat”, Carolyn Herrington’s family settled in Mississippi, where she attended D’Iberville High School, on the Gulf Coast. She was an All-State saxophone player for 2 years and high school drum major. Her senior year in high school she was featured at the Greenwood Mississippi Music Festival playing “Harlem Nocturne” – accompanied by her high school band. The band director of the University of Southern Mississippi was in the audience that day and offered her a full scholarship – and so began her musical journey. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1981.
She began her teaching career in 1982 at East Side Upper Elementary, teaching 6th grade band. From there, she moved across town to DeRidder Junior High in 1986. Under her direction DeRidder Junior High earned their first sweepstakes for concert band in the history of the school. In 1991 she began a 26-year span as the director of bands at DeRidder High School – retiring in 2017, as the Director of DeRidder City Schools. Mrs. Herington taught all 35 years of her career in one community.
During her tenure at DeRidder High School, the band traveled from coast to coast, marching in Washington D.C. in the National Cherry Blossom parade, playing concerts in the Smokey Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, several performances at Disney in Orlando, as well as performing in Winter Park Colorado – taking top honors across the country. It was important to her to let music be the vehicle for travel – and to be an ambassador for quality music and music education representing the state of Louisiana. It was equally important for her students to perform and give back to the community – for civic groups, nursing homes – community events. Music has the unique ability to bridge generational gaps, creating a shared experience that promotes understanding and growth between young and old.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Herrington has been very active in the leadership of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, serving for 30 years. She served two terms as State Jazz Division Chairman, four terms as LMEA District V Director, Band Division Chairman and two terms as LMEA President. She is the second person in recent history of LMEA to serve two terms as President. In 2013 she served eight years as Public Relations Chairman through 2021. In 2020 Mrs. Herrington became the Interim Editor for “The Louisiana Musician” and is presently the Editor for our state’s official magazine.
In addition to memberships in MENC, LMEA, LBA and Four States Band Masters, she served as President and Secretary of the Louisiana chapter of Phi Beta Mu. She was a staff member of the Louisiana All-Star Marching Band for 22 years and served this 500-piece marching band as its conductor in 2003.
Mrs. Herrington was selected as Teacher of the Year by her school and parish. In 1989 she was selected as District V Band Director of the Year. In 1995 and 2000, she was selected as the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Band Director of the Year. In 2002, she was selected as Louisiana’s representative in School Band and Orchestra “50 Directors Who Make a Difference. Also, in 2002, she was selected by the Louisiana Bandmasters Association as Bandmaster of the Year. She was the first band director in the state of Louisiana to earn National Board Certification. In 2014, Mrs. Herrington was inducted into the LMEA Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Herrington is married to James Herrington, retired Beauregard Parish Personnel Director, teacher and coach. She has two sons, Brett, a nurse practitioner, and Timothy an Automation/AI Engineer. She has one very special grandson – James Alexander Herrington.
Distinguished Legacy – Sharon McNamara-Horne
Before retiring in 2017, Sharon McNamara-Horne taught music in St. Tammany Parish for 26 years. In 1977, she began her teaching career as an itinerant elementary music teacher and the choir director at Abita Springs Jr. High and Lee Road Jr. High (K-9). After her children were born, Sharon left the teaching profession for 13 years to be a mom and to run the family music store. However, by 1995, she realized how much she missed teaching and returned to public school music, more devoted than ever!
Sharon returned to classroom music at Tchefuncte Middle School, where she also had two 75-member elementary choirs and worked with Orff classroom ensembles. Before long, she was offered a position at Mandeville High teaching Talented Music, a college-prep elective. Her band, choir, and string students consistently earned superiors at Solo and Small Ensemble Assessments, and many were selected to District and All-State Honor Ensembles. While at MHS, she also served as accompanist for the choirs, worked closely with the band director, frequently conducted a selection on band concerts, and assisted in preparing vocalists and instrumentalists for the school musicals.
In 2007, Sharon transferred to Fontainebleau Jr. High in Mandeville to become the choir director and piano teacher. During the ten years she was there, her students consistently earned superiors at Solo and Small Ensemble Assessments, sweepstakes at District Large Ensemble Assessments and, as the program developed, sweepstakes at State Large Ensemble Assessments. Sharon believed that all students, even those with academic challenges, could learn to read music with an appropriate level of proficiency and she reinforced that philosophy by having all students participate in handbell ensembles each fall. She wanted her students to experience both independence and success, knowing this would carry over into her choirs. In addition to school and LMEA performances, Sharon provided opportunities for community performance – entertainment before a School Board meeting, performing for feeder schools or a nursing home, or singing the Star-Spangled Banner at New Orleans Pelicans games. At FJHS, Sharon was also the music director for annual school musicals and frequently worked with music methods students and student teachers from Southeastern Louisiana University. In March 2012, Mrs. Mac (as her students called her) was the St. Tammany PTA Educator of Distinction and a recipient of the Louisiana PTA Educator of Distinction Award. The following year, she was the FJHS Teacher of the Year. However, she feels most honored knowing that a number of her MHS and FJHS students went on to major in music and either teach or perform professionally.
An active member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, Sharon has served on the Board of Directors since 2006, first as a District Director, then as President, and currently as Webmaster. She is proud of her role in transitioning to a responsive website that would allow for online registration and payments for LMEA events. Recently, she has volunteered to help transition to a new accounting system, to put together the conference program, and to assist in updating forms and procedures. Prior to serving as an elected board member, Sharon served as her District’s Orchestra Chair, co-chaired vocal events, and for 16 years served as her district’s webmaster. She frequently serves as an adjudicator for large ensemble assessments throughout the state, has served as a solo and small ensemble adjudicator, and enjoys opportunities to critique choirs in preparation for assessments.
In addition to her teaching career, Sharon enjoyed 26 years as choir director at First United Methodist, Covington where she worked with the adult choir, children’s Choirchime ensembles, was substitute organist, and worked with special projects for children, adults, and seniors. She currently is the accompanist for Hammond High Magnet School’s choirs.
Sharon received her BME and MEd from Southeastern Louisiana University and an MM from Loyola University. Her professional memberships include the LMEA, NAfME, Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association, ACDA, and Delta Omicron. She and her husband, William, love spending time with their children’s families, which include nine “perfect” grandchildren! In her “spare” time, she enjoys traveling, crafts, and making and decorating themed birthday cakes for grandchildren – the latest being a unicorn cake.
In a world that focuses on academic success and student scores, Sharon’s goal was always to provide opportunities for all her students to experience success at the highest level through music, including those who struggled academically and had seldom experienced success. Her greatest hope for her students was that they would all internalize the line from her favorite song, “Over the Rainbow”: “Why then, oh why can’t I!” and believe that “they can!”
Standard of Excellence: This award recognizes the results of quality teaching and superior performances in Louisiana high school and middle school choral and instrumental music programs.
The awards will be presented at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom C, D prior to the All-State Concert Band Concert.
Standard of Excellence – Jude Gaspard
Jude Gaspard is in his fifth year as the band director at LJ Alleman Middle School in Lafayette, La. He teaches 6th-8th grade and leads a highly successful and respected band program. The LJ Alleman Band Program is known for producing excellent musicians and performing at a very mature level. Previously, Mr. Gaspard was the band director at Erath Middle School for two years. Prior to that he taught for fifteen years at North Vermilion High School where he directed the marching, concert, and jazz bands and also assisted with the middle school bands.
During his time at NVHS, the band doubled in size and received many accolades including several Class A and Small Class Championships at the Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands. The North Vermilion High School Symphonic Band also performed twice at the Loyola University Concert Band Invitational. Mr. Gaspard’s bands receive consistent superior ratings and high marks at the district and state levels. He serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator throughout the state.
Mr. Gaspard earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and completed a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. He is an active church musician, serving as music director and organist at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Broussard, La. Mr. Gaspard is currently president of the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors’ Association and is also a member of the Louisiana Music Educators’ Association, National Association for Music Education, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Gaspard received the Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster of the Year Award for the state of Louisiana in 2016.
He and his wife, Angela, are proud parents of five beautiful children: Colleen, Adam, Amalie, Corinne, and Anthony.
Standard of Excellence: Ronnie Gleason
Ronnie Gleason is in his 32nd year of teaching instrumental music and serves as the Director of Bands at Lafayette High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1993. This year marks his 15th year at Lafayette High School and his second as the Director of Bands.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Gleason’s bands have consistently achieved superior ratings in marching, concert, and jazz festivals at local, state, and national levels. Notable performances include multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2013, the Lafayette High School band, under his direction, received an invitation and performed at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mr. Gleason has collaborated with various ensembles over the years, including the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Acadian Wind Symphony, and the Skyliners Big Band. His professional affiliations are extensive and include Phi Beta Mu, the National Association for Music Education, the Louisiana Music Educators Association (where he served as Band Division Chairman from 2020 to 2024), the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Standard of Excellence: Katrice LaCour
Katrice LaCour was born March 13, 1966, in Chicago Illinois. His teaching career covers twenty years in Natchitoches Parish. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1991 from Grambling State University. His major instrument is the double bass with a minor in trumpet.
His first position after obtaining his degree was Orchestra and Band Director at Campti /Lakeview Jr/Sr High School in 1991/92 school year. In 1996 he left the teaching profession and toured professionally for Entertainment America for 15 years. Katrice was a guest entertainer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines touring the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and Alaska. In between cruises he entertained military troops performing USO and MWR tours in the United States and South Korea. He returned to teaching in 2009 as Orchestra Director of the N.S.U. Elementary and Middle Lab School.
Throughout his teaching career, LaCour remained active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician of numerous Honor Orchestras and Festivals. His ensembles have participated in numerous L.M.E.A. and National Festivals since 1991. Additionally, on numerous occasions he was a recipient of the Mayor’s Award in Natchitoches Louisiana for his community service with the orchestra.
He currently is the Orchestra Director for the Northwestern State University Elementary/Middle Laboratory schools in Natchitoches Louisiana. In 2017 his middle school orchestra won Gold in the high school division at Festival Disney followed by a Performance at Carnegie Hall in 2019. That same year the Orchestra performed for Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards. In May 2023 Mr. LaCour and the NSUM Orchestra were recognized by the Louisiana State Legislature with Resolution No. 35 and No.36 for Exceptional Accomplishments. That same year the N.S.U. Middle School Orchestra won Best in Class and Gold overall at Festival Disney.
The State of Louisiana participated in its third Rose Bowl Parade and Mr. LaCour was selected to represent music educators as a float rider in 2024. He is currently the Orchestra Division chairman for L.M.E.A. and has held that position for the past 10 years. Katrice LaCour was inducted into the Louisiana Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2023.
Barbara C. Butler Award of Excellence: This award recognizes quality high school and middle school choral music programs serving historically disadvantaged student populations.
The award will be presented at 12:30 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom CD prior to the All-State Mixed Choir Concert.
Barbara C. Butler Award of Excellence – Elizabeth Robbins
Mrs. Elizabeth Robbins is in her sixth year as the Choir and Piano teacher at Hammond High Magnet School. She graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and is a soprano vocalist, pianist, and guitarist. Although she is an American citizen, she grew up as a missionary in several European countries throughout her whole life. It has enabled her to better understand students of many different backgrounds and has provided her with the inspiration to teach in new, exciting ways.
Robert L. Wilhite Award of Excellence: This award recognizes quality high school and middle school instrumental music programs serving historically disadvantaged student populations.
The award will be presented at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom CD prior to the All-State Concert Band Concert.
Robert L. Wilhite Award of Excellence – John Havard
John Havard received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Mr. Havard is currently the director of bands at Pine Prairie High School and Bayou Chicot Elementary School where he has been teaching for 7 years. During his employment in Evangeline Parish, Mr. Havard has had students selected into the District III Middle School, High School Honor Bands, and All-State Bands. Mr. Havard also started the Pine Prairie Marching Band that now competes around the state.
Pine Prairie High School and Bayou Chicot Elementary Bands have received the sweepstakes award at the District III Concert Assessment the past two years and are active participants in the Louisiana Concert Band Invitational. In 2021, John received the LMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator Award. His performer experience includes the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as marching in Drum Corps International with The Troopers (2012) and The Madison Scouts (2013 – 2014).
Outstanding Young Music Educator: This award recognizes young music educators for their outstanding impact on student learning. This award may be presented to one or more individuals new to the profession who have served their students, communities, and profession in an exemplary manner. Nominees must have completed one year but not more than five years of teaching and be a member of LMEA.
All Outstanding Young Music Educator Awards will be presented at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom C, D prior to the All-State Concert Band Concert.
Ethan Archer
Ethan Archer currently serves as one of the Band Directors at Louisiana State University Laboratory School (ULS) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In this role, he directs the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade bands, teaches Music IB , co-teaches 5th-grade music, assists with the high school band, and co-sponsors the Tri-M Honors Music Society. He is also pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Louisiana State University.
Ethan is the Director of the Louisiana Junior Youth Orchestra (LJYO), a community-based honors ensemble that provides middle school string, wind, and percussion players from the Greater Baton Rouge area with opportunities to explore advanced musical repertoire. As Co-Founder of the District IV Young Directors Initiative, he is committed to supporting and connecting new and early-career music educators, fostering collaboration and professional growth in the area .
During his tenure at ULS, Ethan has guided his middle school ensemble to earn the middle school’s first Sweepstakes award at LMEA’s District IV Large Ensemble Assessment. His students have excelled and participated in auditions for All-Parish, All-District, All-State, and LSU Stately Oaks Honor Bands. Ethan has spent multiple summers at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, where he has worked with young musicians to nurture their artistic and personal growth as a member of the camp life staff.
A proud alumnus of the Walker High School Band, Ethan studied under Jeff Seighman and Eddie Hirst. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education (BME) from Louisiana State University, completed his student teaching at Zachary High School under Jason Venable and Donny Alexander, and was a member of the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He is an active member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the District IV Band Directors Association. Through the constant support of his family, friends, and the ULS community Ethan remains passionate about mentoring young musicians and inspiring excellence in music education across Louisiana.
Elizabeth Langley
Elizabeth Langley serves as the Director of Vocal Activities and Choir Director at Covington High School and the Music Director for the Covington Louisiana Actors
Playhouse System. She graduated summa cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor in Vocal Music Education in 2020. Elizabeth is a former Studio Artist and scholarship recipient with Opera in the Ozarks and has performed in Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and France while on scholarship during college. During her time at Southeastern, she received several awards and honors, including the Vice President’s Award of Excellence and the Green S Award. She is a current member of LMEA and ACDA and is a former Delta Omicron president and Phi Mu alumna and song leader. In 2017, Elizabeth was awarded 1st place for “Best Bach Performance” and 2nd place for “Artist of the Year” in the international Great Composer’s Competition.
This is Elizabeth’s fifth year teaching in St. Tammany Parish, where she has consistently been rated as a highly effective educator. She recently taught choir and piano at Creekside Jr. High School, where she piloted a handbell program, was head of Black History Month Programs, and was awarded a grant to fund guitars for her students. Some of her favorite performed roles and solos include Anne Page (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Ersilia Drei (Works of Mercy), Rosie (Cabaret), and Soprano Soloist (Coronation Mass, K. 317). Elizabeth is grateful to the LMEA board for this recognition, as well as her fiancé, family, friends, colleagues, and students for their support.
Charles Longino
Born and raised in West Monroe, Louisiana, Charles Longino has dedicated his life to inspiring young musicians and fostering a love of music in his community. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Charles now teaches at Riser Middle School, the same school he attended as a child. Over the past three years, he has built a thriving band program, growing participation to include a third of the school’s students and achieving consistent Superior ratings at Festival.
Charles credits his success to the unwavering support system around him, including his family, colleagues, and community. He acknowledges that none of his accomplishments would have been possible without their encouragement, collaboration, and belief in his vision. While his primary instrument is trombone, Charles has embraced the challenge of teaching all instruments, immersing himself fully in the needs of his students.
As a proud father of two wonderful boys. Charles finds balance and inspiration in his family life. He considers his recognition as an Outstanding Young Music Educator not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective effort and love poured into the Riser Middle School band program and the lives of the students it serves.
Antonio Suarez
Antonio “Tony” Suarez obtained his Bachelor’s Degree at Florida State University. His time at FSU was marked by a commitment to excellence and a deepening understanding of the art, theory, and science of music.
Upon earning his degree, Tony took on the role of Director of Bands at Tioga High School in Ball, LA, leaving an indelible mark on the school’s music program. Now, he brings his wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Denham Springs High School, where he joyfully serves as the Assistant Director of Bands.
Tony’s musical journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to music education and his ability to inspire students to reach new heights. As he continues to contribute his expertise to the vibrant musical community of bands in Livingston Parish, Tony Suarez remains a dynamic force in shaping the next generation of musicians at Denham Springs High School.
Andrew Usie
Andrew Usie, a native of Orange, TX, is an Associate Director of Bands at Sulphur High School in Sulphur, LA. He conducts the Symphonic Band and the Lab B Jazz Band and assists with the renowned Golden Tornado Marching Band. Usie earned his Bachelor of Music degree from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. Beyond his work in the classroom, he is an active trombonist in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, performing with ensembles such as the Lake Charles Symphony, the Calcasieu British Brass Band, the Southeast Texas Winds and Percussion, and various churches in the region.
Tom D. Wafer Outstanding Administrator Award: This award recognizes and honors outstanding school principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and/or assistant or associate superintendents who demonstrate support for and commitment to high-quality arts education programs in their schools. The influence of such administrators is a major factor in improving music education in school systems across the state.
All Outstanding Young Music Educator Awards will be presented at 12:30 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Grand Ballroom C, D prior to the All-State Mixed Choir Concert.
Jennifer Burris
Principal, Benton Intermediate School
Mrs. Jennifer Burris, a dedicated school leader with 24 years of experience in education, has devoted her career to fostering excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities. With a deep appreciation for music, influenced by her daughter’s involvement in band throughout her school career and her husband’s role as a band director, she has championed the importance of music education throughout her tenure. As Principal of Benton Intermediate School, Mrs. Burris has worked closely with her band directors to expand the school’s band program to its largest size in the school’s history. Under her leadership, the program continues to thrive.
Carolyn Favre
Vice President Principal, St. Mary’s Dominican High School
Mrs. Favre has served at St. Mary’s Dominican High School for 43 years. During these years, she has served as teacher, class level coordinator, volleyball coach, softball coach, athletic director, dean of students, and for the last 16 years, as principal. Serving in different capacities at Dominican has made her more keenly aware of the importance of providing many opportunities for students to develop their unique gifts, to feel a sense of belonging, and to enrich the student’s formation and academic preparation. These insights were particularly important when our school developed St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s STREAM™ initiative about ten years ago. STREAM™, an acronym for Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Although all students benefit from exposure to all areas of study, particular students will uniquely develop their gifts in specific areas more than others. This is Dominican’s unique way of integrating important academic areas as students develop attributes we envision for a graduate when completing a Dominican education.
A recent example that Mrs. Favre embraces opportunities to promote the arts occurred when music students presented the idea to have a “mini jazz fest” on the school campus during a long lunch period in conjunction with the first week of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. With the performance of the Dominican’s jazz band, the school community also enjoys special foods served at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The school community gathers on the lawn to enjoy great music and good food. It has become an opportunity to highlight the outstanding student music talent and enjoyable community event.
Congratulations to LAJE’s 2025 award recipients
All awards will be presented Thursday night at 7:00 PM in Grand Ballroom B, C, D prior to the ULL Jazz Ensemble Concert.
LAJE Hall of Fame – Andy Pizzo
Andy Pizzo, who resides in Baton Rouge, LA, is “a trombonist of all styles”. He is currently the leader/trombonist for his own jazz/funk/rock group “The Andy Pizzo Project; trombonist and featured soloist/founding member of the funk/soul band “PHAT HAT”; and a free-lance trombonist throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. Not just a professional trombonist, Andy Pizzo is also a professional music educator and middle school administrator. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from L.S.U. – Baton Rouge in the spring of 1999, earned his Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from L.S.U. – Shreveport in the spring of 2019, and has taught in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for the past 25 years. From 2005- 2021, he was the Director of Bands for the award-winning Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School Band Program in Baton Rouge, LA. His concert and jazz bands consistently received superior ratings at the local/district, state, and national levels. He taught all levels of band: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and jazz. He also worked with the physically and mentally challenged “community based” students at his school. Since July 2021, he has been the Assistant Principal at Westdale Middle School in Baton Rouge.
Andy has accumulated several awards and important musical positions in his time as a band director. Andy is a Past – President of the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education. He was the LMEA Jazz Division Chairman and Coordinator of the Louisiana All State Jazz Ensemble from 2006 – 2012. In 2009, Andy received the Yale University Distinguished Music Educator Award. In November 2010, the Getzen Co., maker and manufacturer of professional trombones, awarded Andy by making him one of their national trombone artist representatives. In January 2014, Andy was selected as “Teacher of the Year” for Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School. Furthermore, he was selected by a panel of educators as the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System “Middle School Teacher of the Year” for the 2014 – 2015 school year. In 2017, the Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School Jazz Ensemble was awarded by the Foundation for Music Education’s “Mark of Excellence” National Jazz Honors Project as a National Award Winner. Andy Pizzo was also selected to represent Louisiana in the 22nd annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” December 2019 issue of School Band and Orchestra Magazine. Throughout Louisiana, he has also served as a guest honor band clinician for Middle School and High School Honor Concert Bands and Honor Jazz Ensembles.
He has had the opportunity to perform with many great musicians and groups such as The Harry James Orchestra led by Fred Radke; The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra led by Bill Tole; Martha and the Vandellas featuring Martha Reeves; Bill Watrous, Wycliffe Gordon and Tom “Bones” Malone, legendary jazz trombonists; Earl Turner, Las Vegas show entertainer; The Rat Pack Show, official national Rat Pack tribute touring show; Lena Prima, daughter of the famed trumpeter and vocalist, Louis Prima; Poncho Sanchez, Latin jazz recording artist; Christopher Riddle, son of the big band leader, Nelson Riddle, who’s orchestra backed up the great jazz singer Frank Sinatra; The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra; The Nicholls State University Jazz Ensemble; The Bill Causey Jazz Orchestra; The John Mahoney Big Band; and many more.
Andy Pizzo is an outstanding music educator, administrator, and an established trombonist who aspires to continuously reach excellence in his own playing, his teaching, and whatever else that he puts his name and energies toward.
LAJE Outstanding Jazz Educators
Clifton Liner, District I
Clifton Liner was born in West Monroe, Louisiana in 1974. He graduated from West Monroe High School, where he was under the direction of hall of fame member Dr. Michael Spears.
Clifton Liner graduated in 1998 from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Instrumental Music Education. While at Louisiana Tech, he participated with the Low Brass Ensemble, Marching Band, Hoop Troop, Jazz Band, and the Wind Ensemble. While attending Louisiana Tech, Mr Liner was under the direction of Jim Robkin, Dr. Fernando Jimenez and Dr. Lawrence Gibbs. He has also studied privately with Dr. Fernando Jimenez. He received his Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Mr. Liner’s directorships have included Ouachita Junior High School, Woodlawn Middle School, Pinecrest Middle School and West Ouachita High School. In his first year at West Ouachita High School during the 2006-2007 school year, Mr. Liner was able to work under the mentorship of head director and LMEA hall of fame member Dale Liner. Dale Liner retired from teaching in 2007 following twenty-nine years working with four high schools and numerous professional organizations.
Throughout his own twenty-five year career, Mr. Liner’s bands, including Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band, have consistently received superior ratings at District and State Festivals, reaching new levels of success for the program and the students. The West Ouachita band program has proudly seen over fifty students achieve All-State status under Mr. Liner’s instruction. During Mr. Liners tenure, he led countless students to become music educators and professional musicians.
Mr. Liner’s professional affiliations include MENC, LMEA, LBA, and LAJE. He is also a Past President of the Louisiana Bandmasters Association.
Cynthia Brennan, District II
Cynthia Brennan is in her third year as Director of Bands at Buckeye High School and her ninth year of teaching. From Pineville, LA, she earned her Bachelor of Music Education in 2015 from Louisiana College. Prior to working at Buckeye, Ms. Brennan taught at Marksville High School and Ville Platte High School. Since coming to Rapides Parish, Ms. Brennan has started an independent junior high program and a high school jazz band. Ms. Brennan currently serves as the President of the District II Band Directors’ Association and was recognized as the District II Band Director of the Year in 2024. She is a member of NAfME and LMEA. Ms. Brennan lives in Pineville with her son and two pets, Boog and Spooks.
Cody LeBouef
Cody LeBouef is an educator and musician from Thibodaux, Louisiana. After graduating from E.D. White High School, he pursued studies in Music Media and Jazz Piano at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Cody went on to earn his teaching certification and began his educational career in Acadia Parish, where he taught at Crowley High School and Crowley Middle School. He is currently the Assistant Band Director at Acadiana High School in Lafayette, where he directs the Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Concert Band, and also founded the Music and Media program. Cody has collaborated with Moncus Park in Lafayette to establish the annual “Jazz in the Park” series, which aims to showcase student jazz ensembles from across the state of Louisiana. In addition to his teaching, he is an active performer and recording artist, playing with several groups including the 9-piece jazz fusion band That Bad, based in Lafayette. Cody’s passion for music and education drives him to create opportunities for students and musicians alike, with a particular focus on preserving and promoting Louisiana’s rich jazz heritage.
Donny Alexander, District IV
Donny D. Alexander is the associate band director at Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University and is entering his 24 th year as an educator. Mr. Alexander was named Teacher of the Year at Zachary High School in 2018. He is a member of NAfME, the Louisiana Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Mr. Alexander is proud to serve as vice president for LAJE.
Kyle Cook, District V
Kyle A. Cook, a passionate music educator from Katy, Texas, is breaking new ground as the Director of Bands at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana. Holding a Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music from McNeese State University, Cook is committed to creating accessible and enriching musical experiences for every student. He believes that all students, regardless of background, deserve recognition for their unique talents and boundless potential.
In addition to his work in the classroom, Cook brings the joy of music to the community by performing with the Calcasieu British Brass Band and the Lake Charles Community Band. As the founder of the Calcasieu British Brass Band, Cook gathers musicians to provide exceptional musical experiences across Southwest Louisiana.
Cook is also the proud founder and Director of Sulphur’s All-City Middle School Jazz Band, a program that introduces middle school students to the rich heritage of jazz through mentorship and performance opportunities. By engaging students from local schools in the art of jazz, he inspires a new generation of young musicians to appreciate and continue Louisiana’s musical legacy.
Cook’s leadership extends beyond his school. He is an active member of influential organizations, including the Louisiana Music Educators’ Association, Texas Music Educators’ Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, LMEA District V Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association, Louisiana Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.
His dedication to music education has been widely recognized. In 2019, Cook received the Norman E. Smith Band Director of the Year award from LMEA District V BODA and was named the Outstanding Young Music Educator by LMEA. Most recently, he was honored as the Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024 at Maplewood Middle School.
Kyle A. Cook’s journey in education is a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing a love for music and learning in students throughout Southwest Louisiana.
Kelsie Sampey, District VII
Kelsie Sampey is in her fourth year as band director at Lockport Middle and Upper Elementary Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Nicholls State University and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Kelsie founded the Jazz Band Program at Lockport Middle School in the fall of 2022 leading to their annual participation in the Bill Evan’s Jazz Festival. This year, the program’s growth has led to the formation of two separate Jazz Ensembles, promising even greater opportunities for students to explore their musical talents.
Chris Hand, District VIII
Chris Hand began his career in music as a self-taught guitarist and obsessive fan of jazz and progressive guitar performers. After learning to read music as a Ruston High School junior, Chris performed in both all-district and all-state jazz ensembles and made the decision to pursue a degree in Music Education at Louisiana Tech as a percussionist, where he furthered his Jazz studies under Lawrence Gibbs. Since 2009, Chris has led and performed with the Bossier Parish Talented Arts Jazz Band onstage at the New York City Jazz Festival, is a recurring member in the award winning Lawrence Gibbs Jazz Orchestra, and has worked as a private instructor. Chris is currently serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Benton High school where he instructs percussion and jazz ensembles grades 7-12, and regularly performs with his personal band, Everett Street Jazz.
Aaron Miller
Mr. Miller is entering his 10th year in education where he is currently serving as the Assistant Director of Bands at Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, Louisiana. Prior to FHS he served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Thibodaux High School in Lafourche Parish for two years. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2014 where he was a member of various university ensembles including Jazz Ensemble One, Jazz Ensemble II, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Orchestra and Marching Band. During his time in those ensembles he had the pleasure of working with and performing for several highly regarded clinicians, composers and conductors such as Will Pitts, Col. Alan Bonner, Johan De Meij, Col. Arnold Bariel, Samuel Hazo, Ivan Rutherford just to name a few. While a student at SLU he was also a member of the Delta Omicron chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and the Lambda Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Music Service Fraternity.
Mr. Miller was a member of the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps in 2012 where they placed in the top 12 in DCI Finals. He is an active professional musician and has performed in various musical settings including the pit orchestra for several musicals at La Petit Theater in New Orleans. He is also a member of the worship team for First Baptist Church of Covington and the Covington Community Band.
Mr. Miller was the recipient of the LMEA Outstanding Young Music Educators Award in 2017 and serves as the district chair for the LMEA District IX Senior High School Jazz Ensemble. He is a current member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA).