Scholarship Honors Beloved Teacher

The Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) held its annual All-State Jazz Band concert in January 2022, where talented student musicians from 220 private schools across the state had competed to fill the 20 available seats. In the end, four of those 20 spots were filled by Marksmen. This feat is both a reflection of each boy’s talent — and the commitment of their band director Tim Hicks.  
 
Just a few weeks after the 2022 All-State Jazz Band concert, Hicks passed away unexpectedly. The sudden loss was devastating to his students, his colleagues and the music program to which he had dedicated nearly two decades. Since joining the Fine Arts Department in 2002, Hicks inspired a love of music, especially jazz, in hundreds of Marksmen who came through his band hall each year. 
 
And, each year, many of his students qualified for the TPSMEA’s All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band.  
 
Hicks’ impact extended deep into the TPSMEA organization itself. In 2010, Hicks lobbied for the creation of the All-State Jazz Band and served as its first coordinator. He was later elected TPSMEA vice president for jazz and contemporary ensembles. 
 
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to music and education, the TPSMEA has established the Tim Hicks Memorial Jazz Scholarship. The scholarship is earmarked for graduating members of the All-State Jazz Band who are attending college. The recipients must be of “superior moral character” and possess “outstanding musical ability.” Additionally, applicants must submit an essay entitled “Reasons Why I Love Jazz.”  
 
“Tim loved jazz and to recognize students who excel in music and have high moral character will honor his musical legacy and character,” said Marion Glorioso-Kirby, Anthony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair. “It will be wonderful to hear Tim’s name mentioned year after year at the TPSMEA All State Concert.” 
 
As the 2022–2023 school year began, the crowds returned to Hunt Family Stadium Aug. 26 for the opening of the varsity football season in a game the Lions won 47-15 against Fort Worth Country Day. Before the band played the alma mater and national anthem under the direction of newly appointed band director Analisa Rodriguez, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Hicks.
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St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000

About Us

St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.

St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.