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Larry
Tucker Selected Texas'
Music Administrator
of the Year
December 20, 2006
 When
Larry Tucker speaks about music education, he uses words like “key” and “instrumental.” Describing
what it’s like to direct a high school band, he says, “It’s
a blast.”This
school year, the Texas Music Educators Association will “toot
his horn” when it presents him with the “2006-07
Texas Music Administrator of the Year” award in February
during the association’s annual conference. Some
12,000 music educators will be on hand to applaud his efforts as
Plano ISD’s
longtime executive director of performing arts and academic services.
“Larry has always been about the kids,” said Kathy Kuddes, PISD director
of fine arts, regarding Mr. Tucker’s 35-year career as a music educator. “He’s
always quick to think about what’s right for them first.” The key
to providing students with the best music education program, said Mr. Tucker,
is “getting the best people and helping them do their job.”
Musical
Career
Mr.
Tucker began his career in Plano when he opened Plano East Senior
High School as its
band director in 1981. He spent several years in that role, leading the bands
to numerous honors and accolades, before serving as a district
administrator.
First inspired by his high school band director Bill Clark to pursue a music
career, Mr. Tucker said, “He made every day a great experience.” The
two have remained lifelong friends.
Attending
Henderson State University in Arkansas on a music scholarship,
Mr. Tucker directed bands for nine years
at high schools in Arkansas before
moving
to Plano with wife Marian, Wilson Middle School science teacher, and raising
children Jason, Rice Middle School band director, and daughters Cyndi,
Wilson band director, and Jennifer Penny, Rice English teacher.
Son
Jason said, “I saw his love of teaching kids and passion
for creating music. That kind of energy is contagious, and it wasn’t
long before I realized that I wanted the same thing in my life...I
try each day to live up to Dad’s legacy with the children
I teach.”
Civic
Leadership
In
addition to his educational leadership roles on a local, state
and national level, Mr. Tucker has served as president of the
Plano West Rotary Club
and was selected “Rotarian of the Year” in 2004 and 2006. He
served for four years on the City of Plano Cultural Affairs Commission,
two years as its chairman,
and as an advisor to the Dallas Symphony, Plano Symphony and The Classics.
Related
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