About the Director

Walt Lovell has been Director of Bands at Elko High School for 29 years, and before coming to Elko taught for 10 years in Arizona.   The Elko High School Band has won the Nevada State Marching Band Championship 12 times and finished second 12 times.  Elko High School’s Wind Ensemble and Concert Band have received consistent Superior Ratings and Mr. Lovell’s Jazz Ensembles have hosted Eric Marienthal, Wayne Bergeron, Allen Vizzutti, Ed Shaughnessy, Mike Vax and many others during the annual Jazz Fest.  The “Band of Indians” has performed in 3 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parades, 2 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, 2 Hollywood Christmas Parades, the 6ABC/Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and 2 Presidential Inaugural Parades and for 3 Presidents.

Walt has judged and been a clinician in most of the western Unites States and is active conducting, writing drill and arranging. He has received the National Band Association Certificate of Merit, the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Nevada and the First Chair of America Outstanding High School Band Director Award.  Mr. Lovell was named the Nevada Music Educator of the year in 1999.  He has served as the chairman of the Nevada Music Educators convention and All State Music Conference held in Elko on numerous occasions and has served in various capacities throughout his tenure in the State of Nevada.   He has been named to The Global Directory of Who’s Who, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Strathmore's Who's Who of the World, and to Who’s Who in American Education.  He is a member of NMEA, NBA, IAJE, ECCTA, and NEA.  Walt was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame for his 40+ years of service in the broadcasting industry.  He holds degrees from Eastern Arizona College, and Northern Arizona University.