Dr. Joseph Labuta Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

 
New Horizons Band Director Dr.Joseph Labuta was honored by the Saline Chamber of Commerce for "Lifetime Achievement" at the annual "Saline Salutes event on April 13, 2012. Dr.Labuta was being especially honored for "the creation and growth of the Saline New Horizons Band and his many efforts to bring music into the lives of Salinians." The honorees were selected by a blue-ribbon panel of community leaders assembled by the Chamber.
Joe and Mary Labuta and the Labuta family
Dinner catered by the High School culinary arts program preceded the awards.
The high school jazz band played while attendees viewed the table of memorabilia honoring Joe's achievements
Dr. Labuta was introduced by Judge Donald Shelton (aka New Horizons Band groupie)
Joe graciously accepts the award but then thanks everyone "the best way I know how"
Dr. Labuta and son Joe amazed the crowd with a jazzy rendition of "Route 66"

Watch the video of Dr. Labuta's introduction and his own musical "thank you":

 

Watch the slide show tribute to Dr. Labuta's history with the Saline New Horizons band:

 

(photos courtesy of Marjorie Shelton and The Saline Patch)