Thomas Dirks, 82 passed away Monday, May 5, 2025 at his home with his wife of 53 years, Connie, by his side.  He spent his entire adult life pursuing his passion - working with young people and teaching music.  He served as band director of Danville High School from 1972-1975.  Appearing at the Indiana State Fair, Kentucky Derby Parade, and Mardi Gras were some of the highlights of his years there.  He was especially proud of receiving a perfect score at the Jazz Band Contest at Ben Davis with a remarkable group of talented students.

He took on the role of Director of Bands at Center Grove High School in 1975 and promptly began laying the foundation that would support the significant growth seen throughout his tenure, which lasted until 2001.  Center Grove Bands set standards for innovation, musicality, excellence, and above all a feeling of community.  His bands, both concert and marching, compiled enviable records of appearances at ISSMA State Finals and superior ratings.  The marching band achieved three ISSMA State Championships and one Bands of America Grand National Championship.  They were generally in the top echelon of marching bands who competed.  The color guard achieved 16 state championships and three national titles.  The percussion section won 1st place honors at Percussive Arts Society and two titles from Bands of America national contests.  The band was also in several nationally televised parades;  The Bicentennial Parade 1976 in Washington DC; Fiesta and Orange Bowls, Indianapolis 500, and King Hamehameha in Honolulu.  He took great pride in forming a large supportive parent organization without which none of this would have been possible.

Awards through the years were many.  Some of the most notable being Sagamore of Wabash 2000; Bandworld's Legion of Honor 2001; Outstanding Band Director Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity; National Band Association's Citation of Merit, and the Sudler Shield from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 2000.

After retirement he became the director of the Greenwood Community Band and an adjunct faculty professor at Franklin College.  Upon leaving the band field he played his French horn in both the Greenwood Community Band and Columbus City Band.

In his free time, he enjoyed salmon fishing on Lake Michigan with his close friend; water skiing and boating on Lake Monroe; snow skiing in Colorado and introducing many band students to the sport of night skiing at Paoli Peaks.  In later years he and his wife enjoyed traveling in Europe and wintering in Florida.

Tom was a very social, fun-loving man who had an intense passion for life.  He counted band parents as some of his best friends through the years.  While he was known as a stern taskmaster who demanded discipline, consistent punctuality, hard work and responsibility from band students, he had a great sense of humor and a sincere love for every student.

A Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at The Sycamore at Mallow Run. 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, IN 46106

1:00 pm Welcome

1:30 pm Service

3:00 pm Social Time

To honor Tom's passion for the Center Grove Bands and its students, please consider making a contribution to either the Thomas Dirks Memorial Fund (supporting the ongoing and future development of the Center Grove Band Program) or the Thomas Dirks Memorial Band Scholarship (which assists senior band students as they pursue college).

Mail Check Contributions to:

Center Grove Trojan Band Boosters

PO Box 1161

Greenwood, IN 46142

(Add a note for either the Tom Dirks Memorial Fund or Tom Dirks Scholarship Fund)

Online Contributions Link:

https://secure.payk12.com/school/Center-Grove-Band-Boosters/651/item/267609