Kurt Bauche: Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Gilgour presents Kurt Bauche with the N. Gayle and Rowena Simmons Distinguished Service Award

The N. Gayle and Rowena Simmons Distinguished Service Award, one of Mineral Area College’s most prestigious honors, recognizes individuals who embody outstanding community service and maintain a significant connection to the college. This year, we were pleased to honor Kurt Bauche with the award during this year's Commencement Ceremony.

Kurt’s impact on the arts at Mineral Area College has been truly significant. Over the years, his musical talent has enhanced countless performances by various ensembles, including the Mineral Area College Kicks Band, Community Band, and Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy Pep Band. Beyond his contributions as a performer, Kurt has also generously shared his leadership as a conductor for both the Community Band and the Pep Band, guiding fellow musicians with passion and expertise.

His dedication to fostering access to the arts extends to his pivotal roles within two vibrant non-profit arts organizations based at the college. For over a decade, Kurt has been involved with the Mineral Area Council on the Arts, serving in various capacities, including president and board member. He is also a co-founder and current Vice President of the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy, an organization instrumental in providing arts education and fostering creativity within the region.

Kurt's commitment to service extends beyond the college into the wider community. He has tirelessly supported numerous organizations, including serving as co-chair of the Farmington Elks Lodge #1765 scholarship committee, membership in Farmington Lodge #132 AF & AM, and Council Chair at Memorial United Methodist Church. He also serves on the Farmington R-7 School District Board and is an active member of the St. Francois County Rotary Club.

A 1976 graduate of Union High School, Kurt holds music education degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Louisville. For three decades, he served as Director of Bands at Farmington High School, earning the district’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and 2012.

Kurt's exceptional reputation extends throughout the music education field, having served as past president of both the Missouri Bandmasters Association and the Missouri Music Educators Association, leading to his induction into both organizations' Hall of Fame. He has also been recognized as an Outstanding Band Director by the Phi Beta Mu International Band Director Honorary Fraternity.

Kurt and his wife Julie reside in Farmington. He is the father of Kate Fleming and Kyle Bauche and the stepfather of Annie-Laurie Chambers. Their family includes six cherished grandchildren.