Dan Hiestand Scholarship
For Students going into Music Education-- Dan Hiestand taught music at all levels of public education, including teaching at a prison. Hiestand began his teaching career in Montana and continued later in Southern California. While in Southern California he taught at Pasadena Junior College where he directed the official Pasadena Tournament of Roses Band. In 1967, Hiestand moved his family to Chico, assuming the position of Director of Bands at Chico State College. He became a founding member of the Northern California Band Directors Association and NorCal Honor Band the same year.
During his more than twenty-five years as a faculty member of Chico State College and California State University, Chico, Hiestand mentored hundreds of students and Northern California music teachers. Many of these former students and colleagues continue teaching today in elementary, junior, and high schools, as well as in various junior colleges and universities.
Dan believed in his students. “He listened to us, supported us, befriended us, and let us bloom in our own time. He encouraged us while insisting on our best at all times. His rehearsals were always a work of art, with music being made during each rehearsal. He definitely was a teacher’s teacher in the best sense of the words. Those who worked with him continued to ask his advice long after we had left the University. He was always a true friend to his students.”