Notable Achievements and Honors:
- Instrumental ensembles under his direction consistently earned superior ratings at the MSHSAA State Music Festival.
- Awarded the Outstanding Music Educator Award for their respective MMEA District
- Inducted into the MMEA district Hall of Fame.
- Numerous performances with multiple ensembles at the MMEA Conference
Their SERVICE to Music Educators:
- Has been a member of MMEA
- Has been a member and officer in Phi Beta Mu
- Has been a member of National Association for Music Education
Reflections on our 2024 Inductee from Colleagues
From Robert Baumann
Our 2024 Hall of Famer came to our district in 1985 as the high school band director and the district Music Coordinator. He had an immediate impact on the students, staff, community and total music program.
Tom believed that each level; elementary, middle school, and high schools needed to flourish in order to have a healthy overall program. I have known Tom for 35 years and I have watched him have an unwavering dedication to excellence in everything he does.
From Jocelyn Garner
This year’s inductee is a wonderful ambassador for music. Beyond the musical direction that they provide, They freely offer mentorship to younger music educators. They epitomize servant leadership and it inspires others to give back and pay it forward.
Former colleague Jeff Melsha
They have always been the most professional and sincere educator and communicator. When they taught the 4th and 5th grade low brass classes, the students moved through the band system with an amazingly strong fundamental understanding and skill set.
From colleague, friend, and sometimes golfing buddy Kurt Bauche
This year’s inductee has maintained excellence in band programs at Ladue and Kirkwood High schools. The need for outstanding leaders in guiding professional teacher organizations is a must. Our 2024 inductee has maintained a visible presence in and around the state in serving as a clinician, guest conductor and adjudicator in the state of Missouri.
From his golfing friend Bob Hansen
Our 2024 inductee is a perfect example of a person that continues to grow and learn even after retirement. That includes band and golf.
Our 2024 HOF inductee is a Graduate of The University of Michigan for his bachelor’s degree in 1970 and his master’s degree in 1972.
His Teaching Career began with 2 years in the US Virgin Islands and then to Ladue High School 1973-1985. He took his Ladue High School Band to MMEA in 1982. From 1985-2001 He taught at
Kirkwood High School as the director of bands and Music Coordinator. He joined the St. Louis Wind Symphony in 2002. He conducted them at MMEA. He directed the University City Summer Band from 2003-2022.
Our inductee is currently continuing to conduct the St. Louis Wind Symphony and enjoying golfing, family, and Michigan Football. Family members and special guests joining us today to help celebrate Tom are his wife Mary Poshak and friends Gary and Melanie Tate.