Howren Scholarship

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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 bandmasters. Before he entered the retail music industry, Mr. Howren played professionally for several years. He was a former member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. 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 is a tuition contribution to the summer music camp of the student's choosing.

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