Kurt Bauche, UHS Class of ’76, Provides Annual Music Scholarships to Graduates
May 4, 2019
At the Red ‘n’ Black Brigade band banquet held Thursday, May 2, Kurt Bauche presented scholarships to UHS musician-graduates for the third year in a row. Bauche retired in 2012 as the Director of Bands at Farmington High School after serving his entire career there.
He graduated from Union High School in 1976. Throughout his time at UHS, Bauche was influenced by several outstanding teachers in vocal music (Eula Goers) and instrumental music (Bill Wood, Ron Robinson, Kirk Hancox, and Ron Curtis). He was involved in football, basketball, Beta Club, Student Council and was very active in the Zion United Church of Christ. He also had three part-time jobs in Union while maintaining a strong academic schedule.
After receiving his Bachelor of Music Education degree at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 1980, Kurt did graduate work at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, earning a Master of Music Education degree in 1982.
During his tenure of thirty years, he led the Farmington bands to superior ratings at music contest in marching, jazz and concert bands. He also developed a steel drum orchestra at the high school which continues to thrive today. His career has been highlighted with a performance at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention and serving as President of both the Missouri Music Educators Association and the Missouri Bandmasters Association.
Upon retirement, Mr. Bauche now serves his church and the local arts council, and he is employed as a field clinical supervisor for student teachers in Missouri universities.
Kurt believes in the power of education – especially music education – to engage and motivate young people as they grow into adulthood. And he has chosen the Union R-XI Foundation as the vehicle by which to make a difference to college-bound musicians from his hometown.
The first Kurt Bauche Music Scholarship was awarded in 2017 to Gabrielle Moss. Ireland Boyd and Macey Hargrove were the 2018 recipients. And Addison Kriete and Breanna Ewald (pictured above, with Kurt) are the 2019 awardees. Congratulations to the students and to Kurt Bauche for their respective accomplishments and generosity.
In his own words recently posted on Facebook, “For the past three years, I have donated to the Union R-XI Foundation. I created a scholarship to be awarded to one or two seniors who possess not only superior qualities in music performance but also high qualities of leadership, service (school and community), character, academics and financial need. Last night, I attended the spring band banquet and presented two awards.
“I would encourage UHS alumni to consider a donation in honor or memory of someone. Your tax deductible donation to the Union R-XI School District Foundation would be appreciated.”
Thanks, Kurt! We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.