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John Whitwell receiving the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award

Whitwell receives MSU Distinguished Faculty Award
John Whitwell, director of bands, professor of music, and chair of the conducting area, was awarded the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award in February 2003. Ten MSU professors received the honor during the annual university-wide Awards Convocation, bringing to 401 the number of faculty honored since the award was established in 1952.

Each winner received a stipend of $3,000. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the intellectual development at MSU.

Whitwell is widely recognized in the professional music world for his mastery of wind conducting. He has commissioned composers of national and international standing. He has inspired countless students to reach new heights and take responsibility for their own lifelong learning. He also works tirelessly to elevate standards and strengthen curriculum in public school music.

"John Whitwell is a master teacher and conductor who is committed to the highest level of performance for the benefit of his students. He has had a profound influence on the quality of music education in the state of Michigan and across the United States," comments James Forger, director of the MSU School of Music.

According to Whitwell, "It is a great honor to receive this award, not only for myself, but for the many dynamic colleagues and wonderful students with whom I work with in the School of Music. I am most fortunate to have enjoyed the mentorship of some of the great pioneers in American music education, and now to have the opportunity to teach at MSU, one of the premiere academic institutions in the nation."

Whitwell has guest conducted at numerous universities and clinics throughout the nation. He holds degrees from Abilene Christian University (Texas) and the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor).