2021 Legends - Roy and June Holder

Roy and June Holder hold both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Music Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  They spent 42 years working together in the public schools of Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia.  Always committed to excellence, their focus has been building solid, student-focused programs that encourage and challenge students at every age and ability level.  Ensembles led by the Holders have performed 4 times for the Virginia Music Educators In-Service Conference, 3 times for The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference, for the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the Bands of America National Concert Festival, the Armed Forces National Family Week Award at the Pentagon, the  50^th Anniversary of the Federal Savings Bond Campaign at the Federal Reserve, 2 concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Commission on Aging Conference at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, and presented a concert tour of China under the sponsorship of the US-China Cultural and Educational Foundation.  In addition to many festival and contest successes, the Lake Braddock Secondary School Band is a recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor and was awarded the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors 30-Year Honor Band Plaque for 30 consecutive years of Superior Ratings at VBODA Concert and Marching events – the only school in the state to have achieved this status.  The accomplishments of their ensembles have also been recognized by the Alcoa City Schools, the Fairfax County Public Schools, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Phi Mu Alpha, the National Symphony Orchestra, the US Army Band, and have twice been read into the official Congressional Record of the United States Congress. 

Mr. and Mrs. Holder are strong proponents of our professional music organizations.  Both are Honorary Life Members of the East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association and members of the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame.  Mrs. Holder is a recipient of the John Philip Sousa Foundation/Band World Legion of Honor.  Mr. Holder serves as Vice President for Operations and Chair of the Sudler Flag of Honor Committee for the Foundation.   Long time National Band Association members, both have received multiple “Citation of Excellence” Awards from the NBA.  Mr. Holder is a past president.  Mrs. Holder was awarded the Fairfax County Human Relations Certificate of Appreciation and is the founding member of the Virginia Chapter (Alpha Chi) of Phi Beta Mu.  Mr. Holder is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association where he has served on the Board of Directors and currently chairs the “School Bands Committee” for this organization.  He is also honored with membership in the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Directors Hall of Fame, the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Hall of Fame and the Virginia Honor Band Hall of Fame.

Since leaving full time teaching positions, the opportunities to give back to the profession through leadership positions in professional organizations, and by adjudicating and clinic work are very important regular activities for each of us.  Guest lectures for universities, convention presentations and other opportunities to help directors are also important commitments.  However, in addition to travel to be with our kids and enjoy the world, our favorite band activities are still when many directors across the country invite us into their band rooms to spend time working with their students.  What a great profession we enjoy!