Music for All inducts three into Bands of America Hall of Fame

Three individuals were inducted this year into Music for All’s Bands of America (BOA) Hall of Fame. Three individuals were inducted this year into Music for All’s Bands of America (BOA) Hall of Fame. The 2013 inductees are James Campbell, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Kentucky; Bruce K. Dinkins, a nationally respected and recognized band director most recently at James Bowie H.S. in Austin, Texas and Irmo H.S. in Columbia, S.C.; and Vic Firth, founder of leading stick and mallet manufacturer Vic Firth, Inc, music industry legend and former principal timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Bands of America Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have greatly impacted Bands of America, which is a program of Music for All, as well as the nation’s band activity and music education. These new recipients were inducted during the Gala Awards Banquet, Saturday evening, March 16 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis during the Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha. Hall of Fame members are recognized permanently in the Bands of America “Hall of Fame” in Music for All’s corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.

James Campbell’s history with Music for All spans more than three decades, as an adjudicator, clinician and evaluator. He has previously served as the Bands of America Chief Judge and as percussion coordinator at the Music for All Summer Symposium, developing and naming the student National Percussion Symposium division and creating the Drum Instructor Academy (now the Percussion Specialist Academy), which provides training and professional development for percussion educators. Currently Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Mr. Campbell also holds the positions of Principal Percussionist with the Lexington Philharmonic.

Bruce Dinkins was a respected band director, whose ensembles were among the finest to participate in Music for All programs, including Bands of America Championships and the Music for All National Festival. His bands, including at Irmo H.S. in Columbia, S.C. and James Bowie H.S. in Austin, Texas, are recognized as some of the finest in the country and are many-time BOA Regional Finalists and Champions and National finalists. Mr. Dinkins passed away June 22, 2011 in Ashland, Oregon at the age of 60. His wife, Hildy Dinkins, accepted the award on his behalf, with his two children and other family and friends in attendance.

Vic Firth is the Founder of Vic Firth, Inc., percussion stick and mallet manufacturer, Mr. Vic Firth has been a has supporter of Music for All’s programs as a sponsor through Vic Firth, Inc., a donor and a clinician. The Principal Timpani Chair of the Honor Orchestra of America is endowed by Mr. Firth, an example of his desire to support young musicians and Music for All’s educational programs.