Dr. Norman E. Smith
Director of the Year Award
Mr. James Hearne
| Congratulations to Mr. James W. Hearne, Band Director at
LaGrange High School in Lake Charles. He is the third recipient of the Dr. Norman E. Smith Director of the Year Award, sponsored by District V Association. James has certainly proved himself for this award, as he is highly thought of and well respected by his fellow directors in the Association. He takes a very active & vital part in all district meetings and activities . His involvement, like any director, assures his students every opportunity for high levels of participation & achievement in the activities offered by the District Association. The quality and excellence of his bands are evident through the many Superior awards they have attained at various festivals and contests, both Marching and Concert, since he came to LaGrange in 1996. In December of 1999, James was presented the National Bandmasters Association's Musical Excellence Award. Mr. Hearne has been directing band for only nine years. So prior to LaGrange, he began his teaching career in Oakdale, Louisiana where he was, of course, the band director of both Oakdale Junior High and Oakdale High School. A Louisiana native, James graduated from Pineville High School in Pineville, Louisiana and continued his education at Louisiana State University where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree. While at LSU, He had the opportunity to study Trombone with Mr. Larry Campbell and Conducting with Mr. Frank B. Wickes. As a member of the District V Band Directors Association, Mr. Hearne has served as an Honor Band Chairman, as Vice President, and President. Currently, he is representing the District V Directors, both instrumental & vocal, as District Director on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Music Educators Association. He is currently serving a three year term as a Director of the Louisiana Bandmasters Association ‘s All Star Marching Band. Other professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu. James, with his charming wife, Monie, live in Moss Bluff, La. |