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Neil Proff, the amazing, Director of Bands at Lake Stevens High School. Completes our State of the School District series for the 2017-18 Rotary Year.
Our guest speaker on Friday, June 22nd was Neil Proff, Director of Bands at Lake Stevens High School since 2006. Neil has a unique background in music starting with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Band & Choir Music Education from Central Washington University in 2002. From there to the American Band College of Southern Oregon University receiving his Master's Degree in Instrumental Music Education and Conducting in 2009. Neil received his National Board Certification in 2012 and currently serves as Music Facilitator and Subject Matter Expert at the University of Washington's National Board program.
Neil was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2012 by the Washington Association of School Administrators and a Lake Stevens School District Apple Award winner in the spring of 2007 and again in 2018. Since 2004, he has served as the director and lead alto of the Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra and since 2016 the lead tenor of the Northwest Jazz Conspiracy.
At Lake Stevens High School, he teaches zero hour Jazz Band 1, Music Appreciation and History, the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Class Guitar. In addition, he directs the Marching Band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Drumline and dabbles in audio production on the side. Neil oversees the School District's recruitment program affectionately labeled Little Viking Band Days and Little Viking Band camp.
Neil has so much to offer for the School District, the Lake Stevens High School and the community. Listening to Neil talk about all that he does, brings to mind, there isn't enough time in the 24 hour day. He is blessed with a loving family. His wife is a former Communications Officer in the Navy and is now a technical writer and presenter at Miscosoft. Three sons, which include identical twin brothers. We look forward to hearing from Neil again about his award winning programs involving music at all levels within the school district and high school.