Lloyd Whitehead Named "Band Director of the Year"
Ida High School's band is well known for its excellence. A major reason the band has earned this reputation is the quality of its leadership.
Lloyd Whitehead, director of music at Ida Public Schools since 1967, has been named "Band Director of the Year," for the state of Michigan. He was bestowed this honor by more than 1,200 band directors from across Michigan.
"I am happy, but humbled," said Mr. Whitehead about receiving the honor. "There are some fantastic teachers I know who have received this award and I am humbled to be mentioned with them."
He added, "A lot of this wouldn't be possible without the support we get here at the school from the students, parents and the administration."
Lloyd Whitehead, Ida Public Schools' long-time music teacher and band director, was named "High School Band Director of the Year" for the state of Michigan.
Since Mr. Whitehead joined the school district, the number of bands at the school district have grown from three to five, and from fewer than 200 students participating in band to more than 450.
Mr. Whitehead has taught band, choir, jazz band, marching band, music theory and show choir. He also directs the music for the Ida drama department's musical each year. Mr. Whitehead also established the SADD Chapter, Project Graduation, and Ida Ski Club. He has served as a class advisor many times.
He has held several positions in the Michigan School Band/Orchestra Association including president and vice president, and is in demand as an adjudicator across the state for district and state Solo and Ensemble Festivals.
He currently is serving as the Ida Education Association president and as an IEA negotiations team member.
Every four years, Mr. Whitehead takes the high school band to play in Europe. He also takes the bands to participate in Disney World Magic Music Days in Florida. In addition to Ida parades, the band has performed in the Sylvania Harvest Parade, Cedar Point and the Wonderful Woollybear Parade in Ohio. His bands have received numerous Division I ratings at the district and state level.
Many of his former students have gone on to major in music at college.
Mr. Whitehead also is active in the community. He is a member of the Ida Civic Club, Monroe County Community Band, and is a Sunday School teacher. He has received the Monroe County Minuteman Award for community service and has received several citations of appreciation from the Ida Post of the American Legion.
