Desktop Schools Popup

Select a School

Performing Arts Hall of Fame "Legacy Award"

Hall of Fame Legacy Award 2021 - Steve Olsen, Band Director

Steve Olsen, Band Director and 2021 Legacy Award Recipient

The Rosemount High School Performing Arts Department is excited to announce that Steve Olsen is to be the recipient of its 2021 Hall of Fame Legacy Award. The award will be presented to Mr. Olsen this Sunday, March 13th at the Rosemount Community Band and RHS Wind Ensemble Concert at 2:00 p.m. in the RHS Performing Arts Center. This award is given as recognition of Mr. Olsen’s contribution to our RHS instrumental music and performing arts program. His leadership and service as a musician and educator were influential in the growth and success of our concert and marching band program. 

Retired from ISD196 in 2018, Steve Olsen spent 37 years as a successful public-school band director. Steve is especially proud of his work at Rosemount High School (18 years), Eden Prairie High School (12 years) and as a 5th grade beginning band director – starting many of the current Rosemount High School Band members.

Steve received his Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota in 1995 and his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education/Trumpet Performance from Concordia College in 1981.

Steve’s leadership in the area of instrumental music education is felt throughout ISD196, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and the State of Minnesota. Steve is a charter member of the Minnesota Band Directors Association, a past Vice-President of the Minnesota Music Educators Association and has held leadership roles in the Minnesota State High School League. Steve is the recipient of the 2005 “Impact Award for Distinguished Teaching” from the University of Minnesota, was inducted into Phi Beta Mu (International Honorary Fraternity of Band Directors) in 2006, inducted into the “Youth in Music Marching Arts Hall of Fame” in 2016 and is the 2017 Schmitt Music Educator of the Year.

Steve is active as an adjudicator/clinician for instrument music contests and festivals. He is also an active performer with the Genesis Jazz Orchestra and Rosemount Community Band playing trumpet.

Steve and his wife Natalie (who is also a retired ISD196 and Farmington Band Director) live in Apple Valley and are the proud parents of three adult children and five adorable grandchildren.