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Norman White was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma on January 27, 1917. He received his education in the Bristow public schools in Oklahoma and then obtained his B.A. Degree from Northeastern Oklahoma University in Tahlequah. He began his teaching career in September of 1939 at Frankston, Texas. The following year, he began a stint as band director at Pine Tree High School in Longview, which lasted until 1943 when “Uncle Sam” called. From 1943 until 1945, he performed with Army bands and, upon returning from the service, he taught a year in Union Grove before returning to Northeastern University in Tahlequah for three years.

In 1950, he returned to the Lone Star state to the Hooks public schools where he served as band director from 1950 to 1955. During this time, the Hooks band was named the official band of the National Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1953, 1954, and 1955. Norman was also named VFW Citizen of the Year in Hooks in 1953. 1955 to 1967 brought the Whites to the much larger town of Lufkin, and in 1967, Norman progressed up the ladder to the helm of the Richardson High School Band. In 1970, Norman was named band director and Supervisor of Music for the Highland Park schools where he remained for five years. In 1975, Norman resumed full time teaching at Central Junior High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD where he remained until his retirement in 1977.

Norman White received many first divisions in UIL competition and prepared countless number of students who were named to the All-State bands and orchestras. He influenced and touched many lives during his teaching career and had a great influence on the directors who sought his advice and counsel. His knowledge of teaching techniques and organization of a band department is great and he continues to talk and work with anyone who will avail him or herself of these moments.

Norman is married to Margaret and they have two children, 9 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoys retirement, woodworking and model trains. Among his memberships to professional organizations, he treasures a lifetime honorary membership to Kappa Kappa Psi. His words of wisdom are “work hard and long”.