Doctor Greg Bimm. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
"Having made significant contribution to the music education profession as evidenced by his outstanding creative achievement, scholarship and leadership, Greg Bimm is hereby recognized by Vandercook College of Music, and we have conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Music Education Honoris Causa."
Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Marian Catholic Director of Bands, Greg Bimm, received an Honorary Doctorate in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.
As the keynote speaker during the Vandercook graduation ceremony May 4, Bimm humbly accepted the honor saying, “First, I must say a few words of thanks. I am so very grateful to Vandercook, the administration, and all who were involved in bestowing this honor upon me. I am not at all sure I am deserving of it, but I promise that I will try my best to live up to it. I would also be remiss if I did not thank my family for their support, Bobby Lambert and my other Marian colleagues for their hard work and dedication, as well as all of my Marian Band students, past and present. If not for their belief, trust, talent and hard work, nothing could have been accomplished at Marian.”
Bimm, speaking from his thirty-seven years of experience as a band director, addressed the graduates, many of whom will be music educators themselves.
“Be willing to work extremely hard. Our profession is unrelenting in its demands. Music education is a demanding life partner. Since every year brings a new ‘crop’ of students, you must be committed to starting the process of hard work all over again. Do not allow yourselves to be seduced by the non-workers,” he said.
In concluding his remarks to the graduates, Bimm stated wistfully, “Please know that as you look down the long road of what will be your career, I am deeply jealous of the years you have. I would love to have another forty years.”
“Be ready to work harder and care deeper than you ever thought possible,” he said. “And enjoy every minute of it!”
