| Info@scb.org

Dr. Melvin L. Shelton retired in 1992 as Professor Emeritus Director of Bands at Boise State University. He was Professor of conducting, music education, and composition. He is now devoted to composing music for school bands. His compositions have been published and performed throughout the country and abroad.

Dr. Shelton was born and educated in Kansas, graduating from Wichita State University after serving in the U.S. Air Force Band program. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Idaho and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Musical Arts from VanderCook College of Music. He served as music director for three years in Pretty Prairie, Kansas before moving to Boise, Idaho where he was Director of Bands and Orchestra at Boise High School for nine years. His concert and marching bands and orchestra consistently received the highest possible rating at music competition festivals and were awarded numerous Sweepstakes and Best of Class trophies. His marching bands performed in nationally broadcast half-time shows from San Francisco. His ensembles performed for numerous Regional and State Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and Idaho Music Educators Association (IMEA) gatherings. Dr. Shelton has been active in MENC since 1951 and in IMEA for the past 45 years. In 1968 he was appointed Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Boise State University.

He served as IMEA District President and chaired many committees for All State Bands and Orchestras. He has helped organize numerous Northwest and state conference programs, and has served as clinician on numerous occasions. His activities as adjudicator, guest conductor and clinician for honor groups and festivals have taken Dr. Shelton to Washington, Oregon, Montana, California, Utah, Kansas, Alaska, Louisiana, Canada and Idaho.

Dr. Shelton held the position of principal trumpet with the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brass Ensemble for many years; was solo cornetist and conductor of the Boise Municipal Band; performed for numerous civic operas and musical productions; as well as guest appearances with civic and festival orchestras and churches. He served on the summer music faculty at the University of Wisconsin, University of Idaho, and Ricks College. He continues to serve as a mentor for young band directors and devotes his time to composing concert band music.

While on the staff at Boise State University, he established the BSU Jazz Festival; established the annual Boise State University Marching Workshop for high school drum majors, color guards, drill teams and directors; served as host and coordinator for the IMEA District III Marching and Spring Concert Music Festivals for Bands, Orchestras, Choirs, solos and ensembles; led the BSU Wind Ensemble in numerous appearances at IMEA meetings and in 1971 a five week concert tour in six European countries; established the Treasure Valley Drum Corps Association and brought the Drum Corps International Show to Boise; was instrumental in establishing the Student MENC Chapter at BSU. In 1982 he established the Treasure Valley Concert Band as a performance outlet for adult musicians in Southwest Idaho. The 80 member group is made up of former Symphony players, music educators and outstanding players from all walks of life and professions. It has become recognized as one of the outstanding community bands in the Northwest.

Dr. Shelton served as Idaho State Chairman for College Band Directors National Association, Northwest Chairman for the National Band Association, and Chairman for Band Affairs for both Northwest MENC and IMEA. He developed a list of recommended band literature which was accepted by IMEA as an official document.

Thirteen of Dr. Shelton’s original compositions for Concert Band are published, with additional commissioned compositions available from Shelton Music Service. His works have been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan. His compositions have been recorded by the J.W.F. Military Band of Holland, the Orchestra of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Royal Norwegian Navy Band and the Dutch National Wind Orchestra. Two of his compositions were premiered at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago and three premiered at the Western International Band Clinic. His Basque Rhapsody was commissioned and premiered by the Idaho All State Band. His “Air for Winds” was performed in Carnegie Hall.

In Addition to an Honorary Doctor of Musical Arts, Dr. Shelton, upon his retirement, was awarded the prestigious Boise State University Silver Medallion. He was awarded the Boise Mayor’s Award for the Performing Arts; the National Band Association Citation of Excellence; a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary International; the Distinguished Service Award from the Idaho Interscholastic Activities Association; the 2002 recipient of the Idaho Music Educator of the Year Award; and additional recognitions by local and regional organizations. He was named the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year by the IMEA. Dr. Shelton was recently inducted into the Northwest Band Master’s Association and the Idaho Music Educator’s Hall of Frame.

In 2005, Boise State University Music Department and the Symphonic Winds paid tribute to Dr. Shelton by presenting a concert entirely of his compositions for band. A CD was released from this concert and an endowed scholarship was established in his name for outstanding music students.