Joel Gittle enjoyed a distinguished 36-year teaching career
in Manhattan and Herington, Kansas. Throughout his
career, he served the Kansas Music Educators Association
(KMEA) in multiple capacities during all but four years,
most recently as Executive Director of the KMEA North
Central District. Dr. Gittle also served as Co-Chair of the
transition team that led KMEA Honor Bands to live
auditions and has been a respected adjudicator for KMEA,
KSHSAA, Bands of America, and Bowl Games of America.
His work has been recognized by numerous organizations.
He has been named Outstanding Music Teacher of the
Year by NFHS, KMEA North Central District, and KTOY, and
was honored as the Kansas Bandmasters Association
Outstanding Young Bandmaster in 1995. The Grammy
Foundation also recognized Dr. Gittle as one of the
nation's Top 100 Music Educators. Dr. Gittle holds
memberships in KMEA, KBA, PAS, NBA, Kappa Kappa Psi,
and Phi Beta Mu.