Larry Pressler: “today I am pleased to pay tribute to an outstanding educator, Mr. Milo Winter, of Rapid City, SD. Throughout his career…”

“today I am pleased to pay tribute to an outstanding educator, Mr. Milo Winter, of Rapid City, SD. Throughout his career, he made tremendous contributions to our State in music education. For the past 26 years, Milo served as band director at Stevens High School. The community of Rapid City knows him for his commitment to education and his drive for excellence. However, his reputation extends far beyond the borders of our State. He is known across the United States for his work at band festivals and clinics. To see Milo's positive effect on his students and the community, one needs only look at the achievements of the Rapid City Stevens Band. In 1975, the band was selected by the United States Bicentennial Commission to represent the United States at a music festival held in the former Czechoslovakia. This was the first performance by an American high school band behind the Iron Curtain. In 1981 and 1984, the band received first place honors at the Cherry Blossom Band Festival here in Washington, DC. The band's appearance in the 1987 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, marked the first time a band from South Dakota performed in this world-famous parade. Perhaps the greatest honor the band has earned is the Sudler Flag of Honor. This award, presented in 1987, is one of the most prestigious awards a band can receive. To receive this award, bands must be nominated for their outstanding performance of march music and be approved by a national committee.”