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Delta Chapter
Simon
Kooyman- 1990
1882-1963
Simon Kooyman, a Dutch immigrant, became
band director of the Clarksdale, Mississippi High School
Band in 1926. Through his indefatigable energy and
superb musicianship, he developed the band that came to
be known as the “Pioneer Band” in Mississippi.
Born in Oude Niedorp, Holland,
Kooyman was educated in the Velsen Normal Scholl
and the Beverwyk School of Music. He married
Johanna Elizabeth Tabẽrnal
in St. George, Malany States in
1909.
An excellent pianist and violinist, Kooyman was
also a skilled conductor, as well as an off-set
lithographer and photographer. He initiated the
organization of the first Mississippi Band and
Orchestra Director’s
Association along with the development of the
first Mississippi State Band Contest in 1928.
His CHS Band was ranked
“first place” for six consecutive years,
beginning that year. Kooyman was inducted
into the membership of the prestigious
American Bandmasters Association in 1931
with what has been described as the highest
grade made on the entrance examination.
Utilizing his combined skills, he composed
numerous pieces for band and printed them
himself, dedicationg them to his friends,
“Frau” Kooyman, and their son, Tony.
Kooyman served as the
District VII National Orchestra
Chairman o the Mississippi State
Department of Education Examining
Board, which issued licenses to
music teachers. In 1964, the
Mississippi Legislature passed
Concurrent Resolution No. 95 paying
“tribute” to Simon Kooyman in
recognition of his outstanding
contribution and services to the
citizens of Clarksdale, Mississippi,
and to the development of high
school bands in the state of
Mississippi.
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