April 1st Presentation - John Heath, Music Educator, Retired Batavia High School Band Director after 22 years

John Heath has recently retired from Batavia High School after 22 years as Director of Bands. John Heath has helped shape the lives of our Batavia youth for many years. Through the years his guidance in group dynamics and orchestration has put smiles on many faces young and old and continues on in our community.  

Mr. Heath has received numerous honors including: 2014 Illinois Music Education Association Distinguished Service Award, 2009 “Mr. Holland’s Opus” Award sponsored by the Bob Rogers Travel Company, 2004 Kane County, Illinois Regional Superintendents Award for Teaching Excellence, Illinois State Board of Education “Those Who Excel” Teaching Award, Candidate Illinois Teacher of the Year, eight time recipient of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 1998 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award sponsored by the Quinlan and Fabish Music Company, and recognition in Who’s Who in America. And much more.

In a leadership capacity, Mr. Heath is a Past President of the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), and currently serves on the Board of the Fox Valley Orchestra.  He has also served on the University of Illinois School of Music National Advisory Board.