Melvin E. Baker

MELVIN E. BAKER, 75, of Minneola, Florida passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Tampa, after a long and difficult illness following lung surgery. He was born on July 12, 1936, in York, PA, to the late Guy and Erma (Murphy) Baker. A graduate of the University of Miami (FL), Class of 1959, he received his Bachelor in Music Education and was the Drum Major in the Band of the Hour Marching Band. Mr. Baker went on to Masters level courses and professional certifications to grow and maintain his mastery with music education. His distinguished career with the Dade County School System includes Band Director roles at Cutler Ridge Junior High School, Miami Southwest Senior High School, and Miami Southridge Senior High School. Mr. Baker transitioned to the role of Activities Director later in his education career, offering him a new outlet for his energy, creativity, and gifted planning abilities. His passion for his art offered Mr. Baker the opportunity to participate fully and completely in the field of music education, including school band performances at such prestigious venues as the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, King Orange Bowl Parade, Miami Dolphins Half-times, Washington D.C. parade festivals, Marching Bands of America competitions, and distinguished community focused events. Whether leading Music Education or Student Activities programs, Mr. Baker engaged and energized all who interacted with him and his passion for education. He is well known for attracting large numbers of music students to his band programs. During his time as an award winning band director, he developed three of the largest band programs in the Southeast. By the time he left Cutler Ridge Junior, there were over 450 students in the program. When he left Miami Southwest, there were over 375 students in the program. When he left the music field at Miami Southridge, there were over 300 students in a very productive band program. In the 17 years as High School Band Director, his Marching Bands were awarded Superior ratings for the last 16 years. In the same 17 years, his Symphonic Bands were awarded District Superior ratings for the last 16 years. Further, Symphonic Bands from Southwest and Southridge went on to State Festival and earned Superior ratings. Mr. Baker was a sought-after band clinician and was often called to serve as guest band conductor at various District and County Festivals. In his 37 year career, Mr. Baker was very active in his professional community. He was the President of the Dade County Music Educators Association for two years and was a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, where he served as District Chairman, State President, and Marching, Concert, Solo and Ensemble Adjudicator. Additionally, he was an active member of the Florida Music Educators Association where he was the President-elect (1981-1982). He was a member of the Music Educators National Conference and Dade County Activities Directors Association, where he served as Secretary and President. Mr. Baker was also an active member of Phi Beta Mu, the Band Directors Fraternity, and the American School Band Directors Association. Mr. Baker was recognized by his peers, including Teacher of the Year Award at Miami Southridge, Sallie Mae Teacher Tribute Award, and student awards and scholarships named in his honor. He was honored in 2004 with his introduction into the University of Miami Band of the Hour Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Miami Wind Symphony, for "his 37 years of dedicated service as an award-winning band director and administrator in the Miami-Dade County School System." A loving husband, father, provider, teacher, mentor, leader, friend and faithful servant; he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clermont. He is pre-deceased by his parents and one brother, Donald. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of fifty-one years: Carol. K. Baker of Minneola, FL; two sons: Donald S. Baker of Tampa, FL and Richard A. Baker of Acworth, GA; and four grand children. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 1:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 950 Seventh Street (Highway 50) in Clermont, FL. A second Memorial Service will be held in Miami, FL, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Miami Wind Symphony, at miaws.org, in memory of Mr. Baker, to continue in his tradition of advancing and advocating for music education in the public schools. You may share a memory with the Baker family at www.englewoodfh.com.