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Tom Dean (Newburgh, Indiana) retired in May of 2022 after 32 years teaching instrumental music in Indiana. He holds music education degrees from Ball State University (Indiana) and Bowling Green State University (Ohio). In 1993, Dean returned to his alma mater, Castle High School, and began a long and fulfilling career. Under his leadership, the Castle High School wind ensemble was named an Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Finalist 20 times and has been selected to perform at the Indiana Music Educators Association Convention. The marching band has been named an Indiana Class A State Finalist 22 times, was a 2016 Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Finalist and Sudler Shield Award recipient, and was the 2017 BOA Class 3A National Champion. During his tenure, the Castle High School Band traveled and performed at many prestigious contests and events throughout the country, but he is most proud of the many talented and hardworking students that he has taught through the years. Dean is a member of several professional musical organizations, has served 20 years as a member of Indiana State School Music State Board, was awarded an Eli Lilly Teacher Creativity Award, and received the 2003 Ball State University Alumni Achievement Citation. He continues to be an active clinician, consultant, adjudicator, and designer for many instrumental ensembles.