8 OCT 1908 Birth of American composer Paul V. YODER. d-1990. American musician, composer, arranger, and band director and composed over 1,500 original compositions and arrangements during the course of his career. This gained him the nickname of "The Dean of American Composers," as well as "Father of Bands" in Japan, and also "America's Musical Ambassador." That latter stemmed from his work overseas in adjucating, composing, participation in clinics, and directing. Dr. Yoder is an honorary life member and past national president of the National Band Association and has been awarded, amongst other awards, the Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal, and has been inducted into the prestigous National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors.
