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.