The Hardest Working Man in Show Business
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You may not know Dennis Lindsay personally, but you surely know his work.
Perhaps you teared up listening to patriotic music at local Memorial Day ceremonies, your grandparents enjoyed a free concert at the park near Boutwells, you clapped along with the Pep Band at a Ponies football game, or your elementary student was inspired to start music lessons after "the big kids" played at their school. These are just a handful of the events led by Dennis Lindsay, Stillwater High School's Director of Bands.
Mr. Lindsay is the only band director at SAHS, responsible for ensuring that Stillwater's 2,175 high school students have the opportunity to perform in eight different symphonic, jazz, percussion and band ensembles. Comparatively, Apple Valley High School has three staff band directors for 1,900 students - and their music program is often mentioned as a rival to Stillwater's in terms of quality and rigor. Stillwater bands frequently earn top honors at regional competitions and have students selected for Minnesota All-State ensembles.
More importantly, Mr. Lindsay is a source of inspiration for kids who've gone on to study music at prestigious schools like Juilliard, and for those who've chosen other career paths but will carry a love for music and community with them throughout their life.
So the next time you're enjoying the band at a local event, be sure to thank Mr. Lindsay, Stillwater's hardest working man in show business.
Sonya Mertens
12:25 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Incredible teachers make incredible students! Mr. Lindsay brings talent and high expectations to the classroom, he shares with his students the love of music and performance. Encouraging each one of them to do their best. In return, the students show love and respect to him. The end result....an incredible music program at SAHS. I will continue to support the music department at Stillwater. Let's not forget Mr. Jones and Doc! Thank you Dennis for three great years!
Kathy Adams
6:07 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Dennis Lindsay is, in the simplest of terms, extraordinary. Stillwater is fortunate to have so many gifted teachers for our kids, but Mr. Lindsay is a rare gem, the jewel in the crown. He works unflaggingly to maintain and grow a stellar band program, and our student musicians thrive under his energetic and generous tutelage. Despite being the only band teacher at the high school (orchestra and choir each have more), he develops talent, knowledge and appreciation of music, performance opportunities, and JOY in creating music. He works his students hard, and they love every minute of it. His passion is contagious. We are truly, truly blessed to have such a wonderful man working with our kids. We can thank him and praise him every day; however, what he needs is actual support for the huge job that is his. Our community has always valued music in our schools. I hope that support continues and that we provide him with whatever he needs to continue his excellent work.
John Sievert
7:48 am on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Dennis Lindsay is a giant.
Edward
2:35 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
No kidding. He treats every student as if they were his own child. How does he find the time?? Simply outstanding!
Timothy Will
10:59 am on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Truer words have never been said!
Timothy Will