Bartow High Band Director Jon Eckman Named to Legion of Honor
Bartow High’s Jon Eckman is being named to the Legion of Honor by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
The prestigious award is given annually to a select list of individuals who represent “the finest band directors in our business.” Recipients must have taught for at least 15 years, maintained a “high-quality” concert band program, and contributed significantly to their profession.
Eckman has served at Bartow for two decades and is the band director for BHS, IB Bartow and Summerlin Academy. Under his direction, the BHS band has consistently earned superior ratings and performed at venues around the country.
Eckman is a former Teacher of the Year winner at BHS, has received the Bartow Rotary Club’s Medal of Merit for community service, and is also the conductor of the Bartow Adult Concert Band.
“I have worked very hard in my career to maintain my love for lifelong learning,” Eckman told Bandworld magazine. “The longer that I am teaching, the more I realize the importance of ensuring that I am continuing to learn and grow.”
Eckman will be formally honored in December at the Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference in Chicago. You can read more about him on Bandworld’s website.