Donald Huff Celebrates 25 Years
Donald Huff has been inspiring excellence in SVA band students for 25 years.
Huff arrived at SVA in the fall of 1995 and spent the next 11 years teaching, leading and cultivating a love for music in his band students. He and his wife Kristin left for California in 2006, with Huff taking a position at Loma Linda Academy. But Ohio called them back in 2008 and after a brief teaching hiatus, Huff was back at SVA leading the band program in 2011.
Huff is a widely respected conductor, with a love for using his deep musical knowledge to encourage students to develop their own passion for their instrument. He doesn’t just put on concerts, he finds themes, creates storylines, leads an audience on a journey through a decade, musical style or genre. And along the way he instills pride in his students, appreciation for what is possible through hard work and determination. After so many years at SVA, he now has the incredible opportunity to teach the children of SVA students he first taught. Says Huff, “It’s always been my goal for my students to have the kind of experience with music that would make them one day want to have their kid be part of that same experience.”
Beyond just the band, Huff has led the Valley Brass group as well as the Stage Band, which have both played for events and celebrations all over town, to much acclaim. Huff has toured with his groups extensively over the years, believing it is important for students to experience making music in settings beyond campus. They’ve regularly played locally for churches, but have also taken tours across the country and around the world. This past November the band and choir performed at Disney World and this past March toured Ireland.
This Saturday night, December 14 at 7:00 pm in the Fritzsche Worship and Performing Arts Center, Donald Huff celebrates 25 Years of Christmas concerts at SVA with a special concert featuring Christmas selections from his 25 years at SVA. This Band department concert will feature the SVA High School Bands, Junior High Band, and 6th-Grade Band, followed by a reception with music provided by the SVA Stage Band.
As with all concerts led by Mr. Huff, this is something you won’t want to miss. We hope you will join us to thank Mr. Huff and encourage him to spend many more years at SVA!