2016 OMEA Awards

Outstanding Contributor Award

At the state level, he developed the first website for the Oregon Band Directors Association and maintained it from it’s inception until the end of last year Through the website, his compilations of Oregon listings of instrumental music openings helped many find their current jobs and helped build community among band directors by keeping them up to date on events and new colleagues in their area

During Al Kato’s long teaching career in Oregon, he quietly and cheerfully accepted volunteer positions and extra projects for OMEA and at Jesuit High School But what made his contributions unique was the dedication to stay with these commitments over very long periods of time At the OMEA district level, he provided continuity with nearly continuous involvement as treasurer and in other offices as district chairs came and went

But most importantly to most former OMEA presidents and conference chairs, Al is revered for taking on the job of Conference Exhibit Chair . He transformed it from a rotational “extra” tacked on to past presidents’ responsibilities, to a more permanent position . As a result, he has built positive long-standing relationships with our music industry friends, kept our exhibits at or near capacity, and contributed immeasurably to the success of the annual conference

He has been a wonderful and effective “ambassador” to our exhibitors in true Al

Kato fashion: graciously and effectively working “behind the scenes” with a smile to take care of business for the good of all of us When someone comes forward with a complaint, his attitude of listening, caring, and responsiveness always diffuses the situation . Each summer, Al Kato sends out a large mailing to contact prospective exhibitors He builds upon this outreach with personal contact and professionalism . Ultimately, we end up with a wonderful room of exhibitors who help all of us learn about new products and allow us to support local and regional businesses . According to one nominator, “Try imagining organizing thirty plus exhibitors who, having paid their fee, all want their booths front and center, nearest the main entry, with electrical connections they may have forgotten to order and name tags they may not have mentioned ” We are all enriched in our relationships with this person in the same way our exhibitors are— through his easygoing “no problem” attitude that is understated and yet so effective