Frank Howes
Frank R. Howes retired from Polk County Schools in June of 2010. His varied professional background includes positions as band director, principal of the Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland, Florida, director of magnet, choice and charter schools and as the Senior Director of Fine Arts for Polk County Schools.
Mr. Howes completed his undergraduate work in music education at the University of Florida and received his masters degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. Mr. Howes has directed the Florida All-State middle school band, as well as band camps at Florida State University, the University of Florida and Florida Southern College. In December 2011, Mr. Howes served as conductor/clinician for the Tri-State Band Festival at Florida State University.
Mr. Howes has served as an adjudicator, clinician and conductor for the FBA and various all-county band activities. Additional service opportunities included FBA as a district chairman, middle/junior high school representative and president. Mr. Howes is a past president of FMEA. Mr. Howes was recognized in 1987 by the University of Florida with the initial College of Fine Arts Alumni Achievement Award for his work in music education. He has received recognition from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, earning the Sudler Cup; the National Band Association for the Citation of Excellence award; Phi Beta Mu as Outstanding Band Director; induction into the FBA Hall of Fame in 2003; June of 2010 the Florida Alliance for Arts Education ACE of Hearts award for leadership in fine arts education and in January of 2012 he was inducted into the FMEA Hall of Fame. In April of 2009, under Mr. Howes’ leadership, the Polk County School Board was recognized by the Kennedy Center and the National School Board Association as among the finest school districts in the nation for demonstrating exemplary fine arts programs in a public school district. Upon Mr. Howes’ retirement, the Polk County School Board named the theatre complex at the new Davenport School of the Arts facilities in his honor.
In October of 2018, Mr. Howes was awarded the initial Pride of the Sunshine award for exemplary service to the Gator Marching Band. His community service includes serving on the Board of Directors for First Step, whose sole purpose is to provide financial aid and material resources for probationary felons upon their release from incarceration. He also serves on the school advisory board for the Harrison School of the Arts.
