(Spirit Lake)—Spirit Lake Middle School Band Director Rich Nicklay is this year’s recipient of the Karl King Distinguished Service Award.
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Northwest Iowa Band Association, which is voted on by its members.
King was leader of the Fort Dodge City Band for 51 years, served as President of the Iowa Bandmasters Association and was instrumental in founding the organization.
Nicklay is in his 31st year of teaching instrumental music at Spirit Lake. He has also directed the Northwest Iowa Concert Band since 1984 and is a past recipient of the Wal-Mart “Teacher of the Year” award.
