2022 Winner: Green Beret Marching Band 2019 Winner: Jr Lighthouse Brigade Band Award biography: Frederick F. Schulte  1891-1966  For most of the first half of the 20th Century, Frederick F. Schulte was known as Racine’s “Mr. Music”. His efforts as a conductor, composer, bandmaster and teacher justly earned him that title.  Schulte taught music in the Racine Public School System for 36 years, mostly at Washington Park High School where he composed their alma mater and pep song, “Hail to Thee Park High”. He retired in 1957 from the position of music consultant for the entire school district.  Schulte started his long music career at age 16 when he began playing professionally. Master of many instruments, Schulte played the French horn in the Great Lakes Band under the direction of John Phillip Sousa while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War I.  Schulte is credited with organizing the Racine Symphony Orchestra in 1931 as well as the S.C. Johnson Industrial Band in 1927, both of which he conducted for many years. In 1937 the Johnson Company organized an all- girl chorus and a year later founded its men’s glee club, both of which were also directed by Schulte until 1963.  Schulte made an impact on drum corps techniques nationally when he introduced the playing of classical music by the Boys of ’76 Drum and Bugle Corps in 1929. He also was associated with other musical groups, including the famed YMCA Kilties and the Racine Park Board Band.  Schulte’s career spanned bands, symphonies, musical comedies, oratorios, operas and parades, in fact every Goodwill 4th of July celebration from 1937 through the early 1960s.  Schulte died in 1966 at the age of 74. A year later, the Schulte Elementary School was named in his honor. In 1993 the Board of Directors of Racine 4th Fest, Inc. created a trophy in his memory to be awarded to the marching band judged the best in Racine’s 4th Fest Parade.