Bill Webb, National High School Hall of Fame inductee, Class of 2023

Bill Webb, a longtime revered band director in the Edina School District who introduced thousands of students to the wonderful world of music, has been selected for induction into the National High School Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. He will be enshrined during the NFHS Summer Meeting Conference on Saturday, July 1 in Seattle.

Webb and former Minnesota State High School League Executive Director Dave Stead were included in the 12-member Class of 2023 announced Thursday, March 16 by the National High School Hall of Fame. With their induction, the Minnesota State High School League has 16 individuals in the National Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1982, the National High School Hall of Fame was organized by the National Federation of State High School Associations to recognize and honor excellence by high school athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators. In 2003, individuals from the performing arts became eligible for induction into the prestigious hall. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen for induction into the National High School Hall of Fame,” Webb said. “The road to an honor like this is paved with the incredible support of countless colleagues, students, Minnesota State High School League associates, friends and family. As an educator, I thoroughly enjoyed helping students discover their talents and hone their life skills through music. I extend my sincere gratitude to all who have been a part of my life’s journey in our noble support of education.”

In 2022, Webb was presented a NFHS Citation Award for his excellence and commitment to enriching students through music education and leadership at the local and national levels. During his induction into the Minnesota State High School League’s Hall of Fame in 2019, Webb’s journey through  music education and service to students was a powerful illustration of an individual making a profound impact, not only in Minnesota, but across the globe.

During a teaching career that spanned nearly three decades, Webb reached students in the fine arts in an educational manner that was equal parts nurturing, encouraging and joyous when students discovered the wonders of music. During an interview for the League’s Hall of Fame, Webb insisted that no student ever hit a sour note. It was that unending tutelage that ignited his students’ passionate pursuit of music.

Webb’s tenacious drive to promote and enhance music education is evident in his decades-long commitment to professional organizations. His wide-ranging service includes being a founding officer and past president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association and leadership roles with the Music Educators Association and The Evergreen Club.

“I hope this national recognition shines a spotlight on the brilliant educational and fine arts work that takes place so passionately and professionally in Minnesota,” Webb said. “I regularly observe extraordinary work by dedicated and passionate colleagues, not for financial or extrinsic gain, but with pure intrinsic motivation.

“I am retired now, but for those of you still working to provide the finest education to young people, I thank you. There are many challenges, twists and turns in life. Early in life my parents taught me to look for ways to take life’s challenges and turn them into positive growth and learning opportunities. That was a valuable life lesson. I am deeply grateful for my wife, Sue, our daughters, Corinne and Andrea and their families, and our entire extended family. Cherish your family and friends and enjoy the countless blessings in life.”