Each year, musical educators from around the state cast their votes for the band and orchestra director of the year, based upon consistently outstanding performance and leadership in the classroom. This year, Niles Community Schools’ Band Director Josh Doe earned the title.

Doe was awarded on May 8 at Lake Michigan Community College. The title also came with the opportunity to direct a performance of the District 6 All Stars — an audition based ensemble comprised of students across Berrien, Cass and Van Burren counties.

While this is Doe’s first time being selected for the honor, it is not the first time he has made headlines for his leadership in the classroom. In January, Doe was selected for the Catalyst Education Award and was given $2,500 to support the district’s music program. Much like his last award, Doe attests his ability to winning the title to his students on the concert stage.

“This is other band and orchestra directors noticing what you are doing with your groups and seeing change and growth,” Doe said. “I think our consistency at festivals is really starting to catch people’s eye.”

Part of the attributed growth in students’ musical abilities is spurred by Doe’s dedication to the teaching and connecting youth with music.

Doe has been the band director for Niles Community Schools for the past five years. He teaches students from sixth to 12th grade. Prior to teaching in Niles, Doe spent seven years teaching in Grand Rapids.

On a typical Tuesday afternoon at Niles High School, Doe is poised before a classroom full of students, busy warming up their instruments. With a swift wave of his conductor’s baton the random sounds are coaxed into the melody of “Imani” — one of many numbers students have been working on for this year’s Christmas concert.

Getting youth excited about music is about more than just asking them to pick up their instruments and practice. Doe said he tries to help students connect with the music, whether it is playing a more modern song like David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” or more classic pieces, such as “Imani.”

“I teach them to treat each piece with the same amount of respect,” Doe said. “I try to pick a mix of classic band stuff and modern band stuff.”

Using humor in the classoom and taking the time to get to know students is also an important part of making a lasting impact, Doe said.

Since Doe started teaching, band participation has been on the rise, with an approximate 375 students from the sixth through 12th grade enrolled in band this school year.

In May, Doe helped to lead the high school band to earn a number one rating at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s state competition — the first state one ranking on the school’s record.

While Doe does not mind the awards, he said the real pride comes from knowing all students have been able to accomplish under his direction. 

“The awards are something you put on the shelf to be proud of,” Doe said. “But I’m prouder of what the kids are doing. That’s what’s most important to me.”

Doe also thanked the Niles Band Boosters, school faculty and parents for their continued support of the band. A spaghetti fundraiser to support the band’s general fund will take place following the Niles High School’s “Encore Christmas Concert” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. The concert is free and dinner cost $10 per adult; $8 for students, $5 for a high school band student or senior and $20 for a family.

Take a listen:

Here’s a list of upcoming band performances:

• Ring Lardner and Eastside Connections students will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Niles High School. The concert is free.
• Niles High School band and jazz band will perform their “Winter Concert” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Niles High School. The concert is free.