Dean Gilbert

DEAN GILBERT was a piano major at Michigan State University and graduated in 1986 with Bachelor of Music Education/Instrumental degree.  He was also a member of the MSU marching band.

Dean was the Director of Bands for thirty-three years at Lakeview Community Schools before retiring in 2019.  During his tenure at Lakeview Community Schools, his bands received many first division ratings and performed at the state level several times.  Dean was a member of the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) during his teaching years and is currently a MSBOA Director Emeritus.  Currently, Dean has twenty private students learning piano and guitar.

In 2017 Dean received the “Make A Difference Award” given by the Montcalm County Intermediate School District to an educator who has made a difference for special needs students in the classroom.  Also, in 2017 he received the Lakeview Area Community Foundation “Quality of Life Award” which is given to an individual who is dedicated to making the community of Lakeview a better place.  Lastly, Dean received the VFW Post #3701 Lakeview “2021-2022 Teacher of the Year” award.

Dean’s piano skills include eleven years of private lessons, including three years of training at Lansing Community College and two years at Michigan State University.  Dean has played for many church choirs over the years.  He has played for melodramas put on by the Flat River Players of Greenville, Michigan and played piano for the Flat River Big Band. In 2019 Dean was hired as the piano accompanist for the Ferris State University choir.  He has been a piano accompanist for Solo and Ensemble students for Greenville, Lakeview, Fulton Middleton and Fremont.  He has played for many dinners, church services,  extended care units, assisted living centers, bazars, craft shows and is a regular performer at the Lakeview farmers’ market. He is currently the piano player for the Lakeview United Church of Christ.