Award Honorees

Dan Geldert was the band director for Minnetonka High School for 35 years. Minnetonka was the only place he taught. He did his student teaching in Minnetonka Schools while pursuing his music degree from Augsburg College, and then took a one-year leave of absence to pursue a Masters of Music Education at the University of Colorado.

During his tenure in Minnetonka Public Schools, Dan inspired thousands of students in several musical groups, including the concert band, pep band, and marching band. He started the Minnetonka Jazz Ensemble that has been featured on Minnesota Jazz Radio, played at the Dakota Jazz Club, and frequently rehearses with professional guest jazz musicians. He has worked with Doc Severenson, as has one of Dan's students, Kenny Holmen. Another of Dan's students, Alegra Lingo, is one of the organizers of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, which showcases local performance artists.

Photography is another passion. He says, "For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in 'seeing.' Now I enjoy attempting to capture those sights in my camera. I have been influenced and helped by members of the Minnetonka Camera Club."

Dan established the Minnetonka Concert Band in 2002, an adult community music group, after he had retired. Dan instilled the love of music in his students, confirmed by the fact that many Minnetonka Concert Band members are former Minnetonka High School musicians. Dan commutes five times each year from his home in Ft. Collins, Colorado to lead rehearsals for two performances for the Minnetonka Community.