GOSHEN, Ind. - Max Mault, band director at Goshen Junior High, will receive the 2023 Outstanding Middle School Educator Award on Saturday in Fort Wayne.

Tom Cox, Goshen High School band director, and the Indiana Music Educators Association will present the award to Mault for his achievements in the field of music education.  

Mault has been the band director for Goshen Intermediate and Junior High schools for the past 46 years.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Goshen College and a master's degree from Ball State University.

Before his music education career, Mault served his country as a trumpet player for the 74th Army Band and First Infantry. He was then chosen as the Army Bugler for the First Infantry Division Headquarters in Vietnam.

He was also promoted to E-5 and was given the Army Commendation Medal.

At Goshen, Mault's groups and soloists have earned multiple Gold, With Distinction ratings through ISSMA. The junior high program has not earned anything less than a gold rating at an ISSMA Organizational Contest since Mault began teaching them.

His ensembles have performed in IMEA concert showcases and once played for First Lady Barbara Bush.

Mault has also served as a guest conductor for numerous Middle School Honor Bands, reaching beyond Goshen's school district, and helped build the Goshen High School band program into what it is today.