Doug Talbott lived a life of service to others and the music community. He received his
Bachelor of Music Education from Bethany College in 1962, and his Master of Music
Education from Fort Hays State University in 1972. Doug served in several communities
in the state including Ellsworth, Nickerson, El Dorado, and Lindsborg. He led impressive
bands while at Smoky Valley High School, and poured his soul into the music program at
Bethany College where he shaped numerous future educators. Doug was the recipient
of the Meredith Humphreys Excellence in Teaching Award and served as the President
of the Lindsborg Chamber of Commerce. He was the Music Department Chair and the
Kansas Community College Honor Band Chair at Butler County Community College
where he directed the bands and taught numerous classes including music theory.
While at Bethany College, he was also the Fine Arts Division Chair, Director of Bands,
Student Teaching Supervisor, and Alumni Director. Doug was a guest clinician,
adjudicator, and part of the KSDE Review process for College and University Music
Programs. In addition, Doug had a passion for community involvement and building
lifelong musicians; he directed several community groups including Bethany All-Star
Jazz Band, Broadway RFD pit orchestra, Nickerson Methodist church choir, Lindsborg
Methodist church choir, Lindsborg Community Band, El Dorado Community Band, and
the Heart of America Band. Doug was still teaching at Bethany College as an adjunct
professor until his untimely death in August 2023.