John B. Howren was born in St. Louis. He graduated
from the University of Wisconsin and earned his Master's
Degree from Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin.
He then migrated South to later become professor of music
at both Belmont Abbey and Sacred Heart Colleges. He also
was director of instrumental music in the Belmont public
schools. While at Belmont, his bands and chorus ensembles
won state and national superior honors. From 1942 to 1947,
Mr. Howren was supervisor for the formation of United Services
Organization Clubs. He later became the regional supervisor
for USO, acting as intermediary between the military and
local civilians. Mr. Howren was retired president and owner
of Howren Music Company. He started the business in 1950
on 6th Street in Charlotte, renting and selling music instruments
to students and starting new band programs in the Carolinas.
He developed a music aptitude test and applied it to fifth
graders interested in learning to play an instrument. As
a music educator, Mr. Howren was known as "The Music
Man" among students and band masters. Before he entered
the retail music industry, Mr. Howren played professionally
for several years. He was a former member of the Charlotte
Symphony Orchestra. He was also a founder and former president
of the North Carolina Band Masters Association. Mr. Howren
had a rewarding life. He will forever be known as an educator,
musician, businessman, husband and loving father.
The Howren Scholarship
is awarded to a member of the South Central District Honors
Band and pays for attendance at Cannon Music Camp.
