Diana Droste Herak, an orchestra teacher at Genoa Walnut Springs middle schools, has received the Elvin Donaldson Most Inspirational Bandsperson Award in recognition of her work and contributions to Ohio State’s TBDBITL Alumni Club.
Herak has served as the first female assistant director for the TBDBITL Active Band for more than five years. She has led the active band in parades and basketball games, conducted concerts and helped lead from the podiums at reunions.
Each year, she assists with special music summer sessions with the Ohio State Marching Band and hosts dinners for musicians in rows H and M. In addition to her work with the TBDBITL Alumni Club, Herak is the co-conductor of the Dublin Youth Brass Band, working with the new generation of brass and percussion players.
The club presented Herak with the award at a skull session during the club’s reunion last month. As part of the honor, she was awarded a trophy with an instrument mounted at the base bearing a resemblance to the one owned by Elvin Donaldson. The instrument is removable and remains with award recipients for a year before it is passed on to the next recipient. Winners keep the base, which features an inscription.
Award recipients are chosen for their dedication, enthusiasm, loyalty, leadership and inspiration to his or her peers.