WT Band Alumni Spotlight: Jim Hutson

What years were you in the WT Band? When did you graduate?

1967-1971

What was your degree in?

BME Music Ed 1971; MA Music 1973

Where are you living now and what are you doing?

I was Director of Bands at Levelland ISD from 1972-1983. Then we moved to Amarillo and I was Director of Bands at River Road ISD 1983-2001. I retired in 2001 and started a new career in financial services, where I am still active. I have conducted the Texas Panhandle TubaChristmas project annually since 2000, and look forward to many more years in that position. I also serve on the Leadership Team for Greater Southwest Music Festival, and was President of the Festival for 2 years 2017-2018. At WT i also received a commission in the US Army Reserve through the ROTC program, and served 14 years as an officer in the Signal Corps, retiring as a Captain. I served as president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia my senior year at WT.

Tell us about your family.

I am married to Frances (Neil) Hutson and we have 2 daughters, Ruth and Emily. Ruth is married to Tyler Tunney and they have a son, Campbell Patric, He is pursuing a degree in music performance at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, majoring in Tuba.

What instrument did you play?

I was a trumpet major.

What ensembles and student groups were you involved in while you were at WT?

Symphonic Band, Brass Choir, Stage Band, Small brass ensembles, Men's Glee Club (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia). I also served as Sound Technician for the Department of Music for 2 years while an undergrad.

Tell us a favorite band memory that you have from your time at WT.

I believe it was in 1970 that we performed The Carnival of Venice, featuring the entire trumpet section with band accompaniment on tour. My favorite part was the triple-tongue variation, which 3 of us performed. I also fondly remember our performances at TMEA and across the state during band tours throughout my collegiate career. Dr. Garner was the BEST! It was because of him that I came to WT int he first place. He made a trip to Tulia (my hometown) to recruit me and I was so impressed that I couldn't wait to play in the WT band. I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Share with us what you miss most about your time at WT.

My fondest memories were making music with my friends, but I also relish the entire university social scene. The fraternal bonds were very strong, and I cherish the friends I made to this day.

Do you have a favorite memory or highlight that has happened for you since graduation?

During my 29-year career on the podium I was privileged to conduct some fine bands. Having served over 2,000 young people in my bands over the years, that has been very memorable indeed. I took my bands on many great trips, including a performance at the White House in Washington, DC in 1993. Serving as TMEA Band Division Chair for 4 years, then TMEA president for 4 years for Region 1 was an honor I'll always remember and cherish.

What did you learn from your time at WT?

I learned the meaning of hard work leading to success, responsibility leading to satisfaction, and friendships leading to solidity. I gained a sense of duty and proficiency from my instructors at WT, including Dr. Garner, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Baird, Ms Gaume, and the rest of the music faculty. Their insistence on quality of performance and musical achievement have transferred to my many years of musical activities and to my current efforts to be a quality financial advisor.

What are some of your favorite musical memories?

Some of my favorite musical memories revolve around the many halftime shows and parades in the Marching Band, making the Symphonic band for 4 years in a row and enjoying rehearsing and performing under Dr. Garner's baton, playing in the Brass Choir and Stage band under Mr. Ritter, and recording all of the concerts and recitals of students and faculty as sound technician.

Why did you come to WT?

I had scholarship offers at Tech, North Texas, The University of Texas, and WT. I chose WT primarily due to Dr. Garner, as he took an interest in me as a senior in high school. I was also impressed by Dave Ritter and wanted to study trumpet with him.

What was your favorite band trip and why did you like it so much?

I believe it was the 1970 tour that we performed the Carnival of Venice featuring the entire trumpet section with band accompaniment. That was the best. The 1972 TMEA performance (WT Band's first) was enjoyable, too. Playing for the TMEA band director luncheon was very special.

Do you have any advice for current WT students?

Work hard, play hard, and learn all you can. Enjoy your time at WT. It's special!