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Congratulations to Dan Adams - 2008 Recipient
American Fork H.S., Utah
When we at Music for All considered how to best share Dan's story, we felt that we could not tell
it better than this letter from American Fork H.S. Director of Bands, John Miller.
The father of six children, Dan Adams has served as an
American Fork H.S. Band Booster for the past 23 years.
When I first came to American Fork H.S. Dan Adams had a
percussion student in my band, and after watching me and
one other staff member load equipment on top of a bus
he asked if he could help us. This was the start of a 23-year
relationship that has involved three more of his children.
Though he hasn't had children in the program for twelve
years he has continued to serve our students.
Dan and his wife Karen have played an indispensable
part in the building of the American Fork Band programs.
Words can never fully express my appreciation for what Dan
has done, and continues to do, for my students and myself.
Dan has served as our head Band Dad and has developed a
small group of dedicated men into a sizable force that has
established its own autonomy within our booster organization.
It has developed into a type of "service fraternity"
under his leadership and dedication. Under Dan's leadership
these men have obtained and maintained two semi trailers,
manufactured hundreds of pieces of equipment, props,
storage racks, and built a complete brick storage building.
Dan has not stopped helping our band but has developed
a presentation that he has presented to many band parent
groups in schools around Utah helping to organize their
band boosters. He has helped present this session at two
of our Utah Music Educators Conferences with rave reviews
from directors in attendance. Dan and his crew of Band
Dad's also take an active role in transporting and setting
up the floor and equipment for our winter guard program.
At competitions around the state, Dan and his crew can
be found helping many bands and winter guards onto the
field. Many area directors call on Dan for advice and ask for
his assistance in designing some piece of equipment or for
ideas to make their band programs move to a higher level.
As a retired elementary school principal, Dan has always
served as my mentor and confidant when I am dealing with
delicate issues that spring up now and then. He is a trusted
sounding board and advisor that continues to provide me
with solid information. Dan's long term involvement and
dedication to our program plays an indispensable and
integral part of our program. I cannot even imagine doing
what I do, as director of the American Fork Band, without
Dan being by my side. I only wish all directors could be as
blessed with a man like Dan working alongside them. Thank
you, Dan you have touched many lives especially mine.
- John Miller
Director of Bands, American Fork H.S., American
Fork, Utah
Wendy Jones is the current Band Booster President at
American Fork and has two children in the band. She tells
of how when first asked to serve as booster president, she
stopped by Dan and Karen AdamsÕ house unannounced and
was welcomed into their home.
"The first words out of my mouth were, 'Why do you do
what you do to help this band,'" says Wendy. "Karen told
me how many years ago the band at American Fork High
School had opened their arms and hearts to their daughter
who needed a place to belong. Karen and Dan said, 'This
band saved her; we will always be grateful for the values
this program builds in our youth. We give back to this band
because we know how important it is for our kids to have
a place to belong, to be accepted; a place to learn values,
team work, dedication and hard work; a place not only to
learn music, but a place to learn how to be leaders, how
to serve and how to be good responsible people.' Dan and
Karen Adams changed my life that day. I gained an understanding
of true service."
Dan is equally beloved by the band members. "In the
American Fork High School Marching band, our parent/
booster program is something we as students take great
pride in," says Drum Major Richard Flores. "Dan Adams may
be just one of these amazing parents, but his efforts and
dedication stand out more than any other. I've never met a
more humble, selfless, thoughtful, amazing man. It's been
20 years since he's had children in the band and yet he still
gives so much of himself to service. I have often wondered
why he is still a Band Dad. The other day it finally hit me. He
sees the positive influence band has in our lives. If he can do
something to change our lives for the better, he'll be right
there to do it."
"Above all, the band members know that Dan Adams is
their greatest booster," says Glen Clark, former Principal and
currently on faculty at Utah Valley University. "In addition
to all of his service and leadership, he always had a smile,
a word of encouragement, or a 'high five' for each band
member. For Dan, it's always been about selfless, humble
service to provide a life-changing experience for students."
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2007 - Music for All Names National Parent and Booster Award in Honor of Patrick John Hughes
In 2007, Music for All announced the creation of a new national music parent and booster award during the Bands of America Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha, November 14-17 in the RCA Dome, Indianapolis.
Nominations are now being accepted for Music for All's Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award. The deadline for nominations is September 15, 2008. All current, active parents, boosters and supporters of any scholastic music education program are eligible for nomination (do not have to be affiliated with BOA or MFA). Former or inactive parents, boosters and supporters of Bands of America and/or Music for All participating programs may also be nominated. This award celebrates the support, involvement and contributions parents and boosters make to the advancement and success of a scholastic music education program.
2008 Nomination Form
The Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award will annually recognize the extraordinary support, involvement and contributions of music parents and boosters by shining a spotlight on a recipient who exemplifies these qualities.
The award was announced Friday evening, November 16 at the Grand National preliminary awards ceremony.
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Patrick John Hughes is the father of Patrick Henry Hughes, a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk.
Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick's spine to correct scoliosis.
Despite circumstances that seem overwhelming to many, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student.
Patrick started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and also plays the trumpet and sings.
He even participates in the University of Louisville School of Music Marching and Pep Bands with help from his father, who tirelessly maneuvers his wheel chair through the formations with the other 220+ members of the Cardinal Marching Band.
Mr. Hughes attends every practice and game with Patrick and learns all the drill. Patrick focuses on his playing while his father is focused on being his son's eyes and legs.
Mr. Hughes works an overnight shift at UPS, getting four or five hours of sleep so he can attend Patrick's classes and rehearsals with him all day.
Patrick's mother, Patricia Hughes, works full time, while taking care of the household, Patrick's medical needs and two brothers, Jess and Cameron.
Patrick John Hughes, his wife Patricia Hughes and sons Patrick Henry, Jesse and Cameron were all on hand for the award presentation.
Members of the University of Louisville marching band, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Byrne, and including Patrick Henry Hughes, performed "My Old Kentucky Home" prior to the presentation and introduction of Hughes by Music for All President and CEO Scott McCormick.
Watch a video of the award presentation which took place at the 2007 Grand National Championships.
"I'm just a parent of a young man that wanted to be in band," said Hughes. "I'm truly humbled beyond words that Music for All is choosing to honor me in this way."
"The commitment and support of music parents are vital to the success of students achieving their goals," said Scott McCormick, President and CEO of Music for All.
"Music for All's Parent/Booster Award shines a spotlight on that dedication.
We are honored to name this award to honor Patrick John Hughes."
Just two days before the award presentation, the Hughes family moved into their new house in Louisville, as part of ABC's "Extreme Home Makeover."
The University of Louisville marching band's practice field was also renovated for the show, which aired February 17, 2008.
Make a donation to the Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award Fund
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