SDMEA OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD: Dennis Schutt
Dennis
J. Schutt developed a love of music early in life. He was
active in both vocal and instrumental music throughout
elementary and high school, and participated in the South
Dakota All-State Chorus three years. His college career at
Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, was highlighted by
his participation in vocal and instrumental ensembles. Mr.
Schutt proudly possesses the distinction of being one of the
original members of the DWU Highlanders, which was an all
male quartet at the time.
Mr. Schutt taught vocal music in the public schools of South
Dakota at Forestburg and Philip. He is most proud of the
Title III Innovative Music Project at Philip, which provided
a district-wide music program to Philip and 12 surrounding
rural schools. The culmination of the project was a concert
involving 400 students in which all students in grades K-12
accomplished four-part singing. After his service in the
United States Air Force, he became an administrator, serving
the McLaughlin, Gettysburg, Marty Indian, Ethan, Wolsey, and
Menno schools during his career. As an administrator he
supported music in many capacities, from driving the bus to
music events, to singing the National Anthem at sporting
events, to playing tuba in the band when needed, as well as
working with teachers to promote and enhance their music
programs.
In addition to his musical endeavors in the schools, Mr.
Schutt has also been involved in many church and community
performing groups, including the Mitchell and Gettysburg
Barbershop Quartets, the USAF Chorus at Lackland AFB, Texas,
and the Huron Salvation Army Christmas Basket Telethon.
SDMEA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO MUSIC AWARD: Don Harris
Don
Harris grew up in the Depression years of the 1920s and
1930s in North Central South Dakota on a small farm near
Selby. He worked hard to save up the $5 he needed to buy his
first used guitar. He studied guitar through correspondence
courses because there were no teachers in the area. When
able he would attend guitar seminars including a series put
on by Jazz guitar great Johnny Smith in Colorado. In 1949 he
got his first job teaching guitar at Williams Piano Company
in Sioux Falls and soon became the Guitar Department
Manager. He also traveled the area teaching beginner guitar
lessons in Marion, Centerville, Viborg, Irene, and Canton,
South Dakota and Hartington, Nebraska. Later on he taught
guitar at Sioux Falls Music, the University of Sioux Falls,
and taught for 13 years at Augustana College. In 1973 he
started teaching at Schmitt Music where he continues to
teach today at the age of 86. He remains active in music
today because of his love for young students and the gift of
music he received more than 70 years ago. |