IHS graduate honored by Bandmasters

The South Dakota Bandmasters Association has honored the late Dr. Duane Niles, Jr., a 43-year band director and music educator by posthumously inducting him into the South Dakota Bandmasters Hall of Fame.

Niles is a native of Ipswich, and a 1974 graduate of Ipswich High School. The South Dakota Bandmasters and Bandmasters Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu, recognized four

individuals recently with the announcement of the 2022 awards for excellence and service to South Dakota band education.

The induction into the South Dakota Bandmasters Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of Niles who was living in Watertown at the time of his death in May, 2021. Niles graduated from Northern State College in 1978, where he

received a bachelor of science degree in music education. In 1987, he received his master of music education (MME) degree from the University of South Dakota, and in 2008, he completed his doctor of music education (DME) degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Niles' early career as a band director was spent at Gettysburg, Beresford and 13 years in Spearfish. While in Spearfish, he also served as an adjunct brass instructor at Black Hills State University and restarted the Spearfish Municipal Band, after 25 years without such a band.

In 2004, Niles accepted the job as the grades seven to 12 band director for the Milbank School District and in 2009 became the director of bands at Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. Niles moved to Watertown in 2014 and taught in various areas, including middle school orchestra and band, until his retirement in 2020. He also played trumpet in the Watertown Municipal Band and taught a class in music education at the Mount Marty-Watertown branch.

In the announcement, the organization representatives commented, "He (Niles) is remembered as a kind, humble and patient teacher and colleague. His love of music is evident, but his encouragement and love for his students is the trait most remembered over his 43 years of teaching by those who had him as a teacher."

Niles is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Kaitlin, and siblings Sonja Niles, Michelle Niles Sampson, and Mark Niles, and his mother Lore Niles.

The Dr. Duane R. Niles, Jr. Music Educator Scholarship has been established at Northern State University to assist senior-level instrumental music education majors. Donations are welcomed at: NSU Foundation, 620 15th Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Others honored by the South Dakota Bandmasters Association this year include Gary Pederson of Sioux Falls, distinguished service recipient; Kimberly Carda of Aberdeen, outstanding bandmaster; and Ellie Kenkel of Lennox, Dennis Hegg Young Band Award.