Allison Howard and Dick Kroese
Dick Kroese
SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club speaker was Allison B. Howard, Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arizona, also the Pride of Arizona and Pep Bands, is a conductor for the Wind Symphony, teaches various music education courses and the Marching Band Leadership course, she is also the chapter sponsor for Tau Beta Sigma. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1999 from the University of Arizona studying in saxophone choir and sang in the Pride of Arizona quartet. In 2004 Howard earned a Master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Arizona.
Before her appointment to the University of Arizona, Howard served as Director of Bands and the Fine Arts Department at Rio Rico High School and served as head of the department. She taught symphonic band, jazz band, marching band, music theory, percussion class and color guard class.
While serving in this position the Rio Rico Jazz Ensemble earned the Judges Most Outstanding Award at the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The Rio Rico bands consistently earned ratings of Excellence and Superior at festivals. In 2012 Howard earned the Santa Cruz Valley teacher of the year award.
It was obvious to all of us who listened that Ms. Howard is loved by her students but at the same time sets the high standards for all of her students. It was an honor and pleasure to have her as speaker at our club.