Yesterday, our 7th–12th grade band students had the incredible privilege of working with renowned clinician Bob Goheen. Throughout the day, students showcased their talents through solo performances, small group ensembles, and full band pieces. It was a fantastic opportunity for our musicians to learn, grow, and perform at a high level under expert guidance.
Mr. Goheen brought a wealth of experience and passion to our program. He served for 28 years as Director of Bands at Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, South Dakota. During his tenure, the concert bands, jazz bands, and marching band consistently earned superior ratings and honors at competitions across the tri-state region. Under his leadership, the Brandon Valley marching band performed in prestigious locations including Washington, D.C., New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Hollywood, Orlando, Kansas City, Portland, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Brandon Valley Symphonic Band was also selected to perform at the South Dakota Bandmasters Conference four times.
A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mr. Goheen earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1972 and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance in 1976. Prior to his time at Brandon Valley, he taught for ten years in Minnesota.
His career has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of the 50 most influential band directors in the United States by School Band and Orchestra Magazine in 2000. Additional accolades include the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Band Director Award (1993), Brandon Valley Teacher of the Year (1998), Phi Beta Mu Distinguished Service Award (2010), South Dakota Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award (2011), and induction into the South Dakota Bandmasters Hall of Fame.
Even in retirement, Mr. Goheen remains deeply involved in music education as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the region. He has also contributed as a conductor, mentor, and student teacher supervisor for several colleges and universities.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Goheen for sharing his time and expertise with our students. Opportunities like this make a lasting impact on our young musicians and inspire excellence in the arts!
👏 Thank you, Mr. Goheen!
Parents, grandparents, and community members, feel free to post picture from last night's concert in the Facebook comments sections.