Steve Shirts

Steve Shirts has lived a life devoted to music. Born and raised in Cedar City, he graduated from Cedar High School and attended Southern Utah State College prior to serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return he graduated from SUSC with a BS in Music Education and returned to Cedar High School as band instructor.

During the course of his teaching career Shirts earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Southern Utah University. After a 32-year career as Cedar High School Band Director Mr. Steve Shirts was inducted into the Utah Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in February 2021.

Steve has always believed that high school band is the perfect vehicle for life skills, respect and responsibility. His famed quotes that have been repeated through the high school halls over the years include, "He who listens is not clueless," and "You are only in competition with yourself."

According to UMEA Hall of Fame Chair Paul Watson, Shirts is a music teacher who, "for me and many others, best defines what we hope to be in our own classrooms. His music groups have achieved at a high level throughout his entire career. He inspires young people to do their best, to be passionate about their art, and to have fun along the way."

UMEA Treasurer, retired band director and fellow inductee John Miller noted that Shirts has developed a very balanced band program and has created success in all areas including Concert Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band.

"His Pep Band is without a doubt one of the very best Pep Bands in the state and his students enjoy supporting the school," he said.

While Steve has been fortunate to work with great mentors over the years, has enjoyed time spent with directors from surrounding schools and has cherished his association with his students, his greatest support has come from his family including his wife, Jill, four children, Aubrey, Mavanee (Casey Nealon), Bradley, Stephanie and his grandson Eliot.

Aside from his position as Band Director, Shirts has served UMEA as Band Vice President and Awards Chair as well as positions in state, region and community music/arts organizations. He and his wife have also worked as staff members for 11 tours with the Utah Ambassadors of Music.

"Steve Shirts is one of those rare music directors whose motives are pure as a teacher. His students always come first in his teaching and he is always searching for ways to create positive musical experiences for them," Miller said. "His musical days did not end with retirement. He is now director of the Cedar City Community Band and is still spreading the joy of making music. Steve is truly one of the superstars in the band world!"

Scholarship Details: This college scholarship is available to high school seniors with a background in band. Preference will be given to students living in Utah.

Application Requirements: one short essay, copy of high school transcripts, short solo performance recording, and two references.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $500

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