Mike Mamminga
2001 TMAC Outstanding Administrator
Dr. Michael Mamminga was a teacher and administrator in the Richardson Independent School District (RISD) for 36 years, with 33 of those serving as the Director of Fine Arts. Having served through the administrations of seven superintendents, he retired in June, 2007.
During his distinguished career as Director of Fine Arts, the Fine Arts program flourished in the tradition of academic excellence in the Richardson schools. His leadership, management, marketing and communication skills were catalysts for the Fine Arts program's success. He takes particular pride in the outstanding staff in the program, both past and present, as well as the comprehensive curriculum of study. These ingredients, along with dedicated students and supportive parents, school administrators and community members, enabled the Fine Arts program in the RISD to enjoy an unparalleled local, state and national reputation for outstanding accomplishments in music, art and theatre during his tenure.
A native of Illinois, Dr. Mamminga earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (B.S.M.E.) with Honors from the University of Illinois, a Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (Ph.D.) from Florida State University. During the 1968-1969 school year, Dr. Mamminga was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Euphonium and British Brass Bands in London, England. While in London, he earned an Artist Diploma in Euphonium Performance (L.G.S.M.) from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and a Diploma in Brass Band Conducting, Arranging, and Musical Knowledge (L.T.C.L.) from the Trinity College of Music. During that year, he studied with the celebrated British trombonist Denis Wick of the London Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Hendon Brass Band alongside the esteemed British euphonium performer Barrie Perrins. As a student, Dr. Mamminga studied and worked with the eminent British composer Dr. Gordon Jacob and is the dedicatory recipient of Dr. Jacob's acclaimed “Fantasia” for Euphonium and Band.
Dr. Mamminga serves as a guest conductor or presenter/clinician in music education and administration seminars, as an adjudicator for band festivals and as a guest conductor. He recently served as the Director of the Early Brass ensemble at Richland College for four years. He has been active in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the Texas Music Administrators Conference (TMAC), and the Texas Bandmasters' Association (TBA). In February, 2000, at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, he was awarded the Texas Music Administrator of the Year by the Texas Music Administrators Conference. In August, 2004, at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, he was awarded a Lifetime Administrator Achievement Award by the Texas Bandmasters Association. In May, 2007, he was awarded an Honorary Membership in the International School Bandmaster Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu, as one of only four such honorees in the long history of the organization. He is a Life Member (TLM) of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA) through the RISD Council of PTAs and a member and Past President of the Dallas Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Dr. Mamminga also enjoys a passion for real estate. He is currently a REALTOR® in residential sales with the renowned Dallas real estate firm of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.