Jody Dunn, now in his 35th year as a band director and his 31st at his alma mater, Crestview High School, has been honored with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The award, part of the Bandworld Legion of Honor, honors exceptional band directors who have dedicated their careers to high-quality concert band programs and significant contributions to the music profession. Throughout his career, Dunn’s ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association District and State Concert MPA, as well as at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival and the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.
He has also served the Florida Bandmasters Association in multiple leadership roles, including District 1 Chairman, Ethics Committee Chair, Music Selection Committee member, and Marching Band Task Force Chair. His numerous accolades include the Florida Bandmasters Association Oliver Hobbs Award, the National Band Association Certificate of Merit, and the Otto J. Kraushaar Award (received nine times). Dunn is also a member of the American School Band Directors Association and serves on the Phi Beta Mu International Board of Directors. The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding band directors who have demonstrated excellence over at least 15 years of teaching and have made exceptional contributions to the band profession. Recipients are honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
Reflecting on his career, Dunn said, “I use music to reach students where they are and take them further than they ever imagined possible. My goal is to create lifelong consumers of music and advocates for artistic pursuits in all aspects of life.” Superintendent Marcus Chambers added, “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Dunn and the legacy of excellence he has built at Crestview High School. His dedication to students, music education, and our community exemplifies the very best of what teaching can achieve. This recognition by the John Philip Sousa Foundation is a testament to his talent, leadership, and lifelong commitment to shaping young musicians.”
Dunn received his Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to inspire countless students through his teaching, mentorship, and passion for music.