Executive Board member Earl Hyde holds Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education from Western Michigan University, majoring in French Horn. He is also an accomplished guitar player which he has played since early childhood. Subsequent to his college days he has studied guitar with Joe Favo in Detroit and Johnny Smith in Colorado Springs. Earl has performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra as guitarist with such artists as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Severinson, and Errol Garner. He also has played in many touring shows including Porgy and Bess, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, and Hello Dolly with Carol Channing. Earl has his own small group, "The Knights," that plays all styles of pop and jazz music and he also performs as a solo guitarist. Until his retirement Earl served as band director at Gobles High School. Prior to that he was band director in public schools in Covert and Climax-Scotts. Throughout this time he taught instrumental music and all levels of general music.
