2001 WBDI Hall of Fame Inductee

 

Marie Cotaya was Chair of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Scotlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge. She began her outstanding career as an itinerate music teacher in her native land, New Orleans. Her tenure included very successful years as the band director at Jackson (Louisiana) High and Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) High School.

 

In addition to receiving a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and Master of Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music, Marie completed further study at Northeast Louisiana University, California State University, Southern University, and Our Lady of the Holy Cross.

 

Marie's many awards include the "Band Director of the Year" award from both the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and the state chapter of Phi Beta Mu, as well as the Silver Baton award from the Women Band Directors National Association. In 1992, Marie was presented the Scroll of Excellence award from the WBDNA for outstanding contributions to bands and band music in the state of Louisiana.

 

Marie was an active member of LMEA-MENC, LBA, ASBDA, NBA, WBDNA, and Phi Beta Mu. She served as the LBA President in 1983-1984 and completed a term as the LMEA President. She also served as the Kappa Province President of Delta Omicron, the National President of WBDNA, and as a member of the North America Band Directors Coordinating Council.

 

She served as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor of bands and orchestras throughout the South, as well as a member of the committee that revised the Fine Arts Survey Curriculum Guide.
 

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