OkMEA Retired Music Teacher Directory

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Retired Teacher Name	Dan Larson
Spouse	Phyllis
Children	Lori Munger, Amy (Michael) Davidson, Niki (Jason) Milacek; grandchildren Sydney Munger, Ford Milacek, Claire Milacek, Olivia Milacek
Address	1501 Inwood Cir Edmond, OK 73013 Map It
Phone	(580) 763-2137
Email	Email hidden; Javascript is required.
In what year did you retire from teaching?	2018
How many years did you teach?	37
Degrees Earned (start with most recent)	Wichita State University - Wichita, KS - Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting - 1995 Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK - Bachelor of Music Education - 1979
Other Training Institutions (certifications, etc.)	Drury University - Springfield, MO - 1974-76
Teaching Positions (start with the most recent)	1999-2018 - Ponca City Public Schools - HS/District Instrumental Music Coordinator 1998-1999 - Putnam City Public Schools - Putnam City North High School/Wiley Post Elementary 1997-1998 - Enid Public Schools - Enid High School/Longfellow Junior High Spring 1997 - Mid-Dell Public Schools - Organize new string program Spring 1996 - Pasadena (TX) Public Schools - Dobie High School 1994-1995 - Wichita State University - Orchestra Graduate Assistant 1979-2013 - Ponca City Public Schools - Ponca City High School/East Junior High
Teaching Highlights (ensemble accomplishments, personal accomplishments, etc.)	2003 - The Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra performed at the Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago 2016 - Performed at the Oklahoma Schools Superintendent and School Board Association (OSSBA) August Convention OMEA - Performed as an honor group 7 times during my tenure OMEA All-State had 23 members of the orchestra in 1986 and three string principal chair positions in 1993 The Ponca City Orchestra was the first group to perform with the professional talent in Branson, MO. Performed with the Texas Tenors two years. OSSAA - In my 31 years of going to contest the Ponca City Symphony Orchestra earned 27 Superior Ratings in Concert Performance (finished with 11 consecutive), 26 Superior Ratings in Sight-Reading, and 22 Sweepstakes Awards. The Ponca City String Orchestra went to the OSSAA Fall String Orchestra Contest 15 times and earned 14 consecutive Superior Ratings. Earned the OSSAA Academic Achievement Award Plaque 25 times. In my one year at Putnam City North High School the group earned all Superior Ratings at OSSAA Contests and received the OSSAA Sweepstakes Award. Earned the OSSAA Academic Achievement Award that year. Earned the Outstanding Performance Trophy at American Classics Festival in Breckenridge, CO. During the time at Dobie High School in Pasadena, TX, the group earned all Superior Ratings at UIL Contest and received the UIL Sweepstakes Award The Ponca City Orchestra performed at many national contests over the years earning many superior ratings and outstand performing awards. Finished my career with a trip to Dallas at the American Classics Big D Music Festival. Earned 4 trophies--Superior Rating, Outstanding Performance Trophy (superior ratings from all judges), Best in Class Trophy (top orchestra), and Best Overall Instrumental Music Group Trophy. Been on the faculty of the University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp for 34 years, conducting the top orchestra for 19 years.
Professional Education Associations	National Association for Music Education Oklahoma Music Educators Association American String Teachers Association National Federation of High Schools Oklahoma Music Adjudicators Association Conductors Guild Professional Oklahoma Educators Texas Orchestra Directors Association
Personal Honors and Awards	2016 - Ponca City High School Teacher of the Year and Finalist for District Teacher of the Year 2015 - 30 Year Service Award by the University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp 2014 - Honorable Mention - University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Prize for Inspiration - "For contributing signifiantly to the intellectual and personal growth of U of T graduating senior 2014 - Ponca City H.S. Paul Ingersol Award (first recipient) for exemplifying overall excellence in the teaching profession and helping the school be a better place due to commitment and effort 2010 - Oklahoma String Teacher of the Year presented by the Oklahoma ASTA chapter 2009 - Inducted into the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Hall of Fame 2007 - Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction 2006 - Oklahoma Federated Music Clubs State Musician of the Year 2005 - National Federation of High Schools Citation Award Winner (National High School Music Teacher of the Year) 2003 - Recognized by SBO Magazine as on e of the nation's "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" 2002 - National Federation of High Schools Zone 6 Award Winner 2002 - OSSAA Music Teacher of the Year 2001-2002 - Oklahoma Music Educators Association President 2001 - Guest Clinician/Conductor at the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Summer Convention 1989 - KWTV Channel 9 My Favorite Teacher Award Guest Conducted and a clinician for several All-City and District Orchestras in Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Have adjudicated contests in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas.
Retirement Years (jobs, accomplishments, travel, etc.)	Orchestra Clinician Music Adjudicator Cruise to Panama Canal and Alaska Moved to Edmond, OK, where three of our grandchildren are located University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp Play viola in the St. Luke's Community Orchestra (sponsored by St. Luke's United Methodist Church)

Janis Dawson, OkMEA Past President

6721 Stonycreek Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
(405) 740-9306
[email protected]