Oliver Hobbs began his band director career in Kansas before moving to Tallahassee in 1950. He served as the Band Director at Leon High School for 17 years before his retirement. He was a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association and the Omega Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu honorary music fraternity. He served as President of the Florida Bandmasters Association in 1956-1957. Oliver Hobbs was the first inductee into the FBA Hall of Fame in 1990.
The intent of this award is to recognize FBA members who have consistently done an exceptional job year after year in the position of band director.
Criteria
- FBA Member for at least 15 years and a current band director in the state of Florida
- Attends FBA District and State meetings (July and January) on a regular basis
- Superior (at least 75% of the time) ratings at the District Concert and Marching (if High School) MPA’S
- Participation and with outstanding results at the District SE MPA
- Service to the profession. (District Officer, served on FBA/ FMEA/FSMA committees, etc, and/or helps with the MPA’s and other FBA events.
Selection Procedure
- Each District may nominate one person (secret ballot, 75% positive vote of those present at the August or October district meeting)
- An application is completed by the nominee (due to the FBA Awards Committee Chair by Nov 1)
- Three letters of recommendation ( School Principal, Recent Marching or Concert Band MPA Adjudicator of the nominee’s band program, and one other FBA member due to the Award Committee Chair by Nov 1)
- A committee will select the award recipients based on the application and other outside knowledge
- 0 - 4 recipients selected per year
Oliver Hobbs Award Instructions and Application updated July 2025
