Norvil Howell recognized in U.S. Congressional Record

Music is everlasting and Clovis High School students gave it meaning, said longtime Clovis Band Director Norvil Howell as he received a plaque Thursday noting his recognition in the U.S. Congressional Record.

Ben Salazar, congressional aid to U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., said Howell was not only a music mentor to himself but to countless students as well during Howell’s 40 years with Clovis Municipal Schools. More than 100 students, staff and friends gathered Thursday to honor the significant impact Howell has had on Clovis.

“Excellence, discipline, outstanding performances and representing your school with honor are all synonymous when you mention Mr. Norvil Howell’s name. He described himself as just a good ole trumpet player. To his community and band students he is so much more,” Salazar said.

Salazar said Leger Fernandez read a statement honoring Howell’s legacy into the Congressional Record Thursday on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

Howell, 92, said since retiring at the age of 73 there is nothing he misses more than being out in the field with the students.

“When you retire, it’s the kids that you miss. I still get a kick watching them perform and Bill Allred (current CHS band director) has always gone out of his way to show me how the students are doing,” Howell said.

Howell is a big reason Clovis’ marching band is known as the “Premier Marching Band” in West Texas and New Mexico, Salazar said.

Howell was born in Indepence, Kan., and graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a major in music. His journey first took him to work for Muleshoe Independent School District. Then he was hired as the CHS band director.

Salazar said under Howell’s direction the CHS band won countless marching band competitions throughout New Mexico.

Howell’s 25-year tenure as CHS band director spanned from 1956 to 1981. He then became the Clovis schools music program director for 15 years.

“His influence on Clovis’ school music programs continues today as the CHS band is known as the band that sets the standard for excellence at band competitions,” Salazar said.

After his retirement, Howell formed the Clovis Community Band. Members consist of former students and community members. Salazar said Howell’s teaching methods can only be described as “tough but fair.”

“Music is very important. I have always encouraged the students to continue playing after high school … They need to continue making music, it’s just a good habit,” Howell said.

Howell told the audience Thursday that he didn’t deserve such a high recognition. He said all his accomplishments and dedication came from his students and support from his wife Elaine. Howell said he was thankful to the school and his community for keeping the music alive.

Here is the statement U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez read into the Congressional Record on Thursday:

Mr. Speaker:

I rise today to honor Mr. (Norvil) Howell for his service to the music students of Curry County in eastern New Mexico.

Mr. (Norvil) Howell was born in Independence, Kansas. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University where he majored in music and went to work for the Muleshoe Texas School System. Thereafter he was hired as the Clovis High School Band Director. His 25 year tenure as the CHS Band Director spanned 1956 to 1981 where he taught generations of Wildcats. He later became the Clovis Schools Music Program Director and served in that capacity for 15 years.

During his tenure as Clovis High School Band Director, Mr. Howell instilled an aspiration to perform at an exceptional level in his band students. Known for being “tough but fair,” many of his students went on to become accomplished musicians and band directors themselves. All of them attribute much of their success to the standards Mr. Howell set.

After his retirement, Mr. Howell continued his musical influence and formed the Clovis Community Band. Many former students and community members participated in it. In addition to the community band, he was also a member of a local jazz group that performed for various events throughout Eastern New Mexico and West Texas.

Under Mr. Howell’s direction the CHS band received invitations to perform at the Rose Bowl Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and won countless marching band competitions throughout New Mexico and Texas. His influence on Clovis’ School Music Programs continues today as the CHS Band is known as “the band that sets the standard for excellence” at band competitions.

As a tribute to Mr. Howell and his legacy with the Clovis Schools Music Programs, the CHS Band performs in front of his home at the beginning of the school year.

Excellence, discipline, outstanding performances, and representing your school with honor are all synonymous when you mention Mr. Norvill Howell’s name. He described himself as, “Just a good ole trumpet player.” To his community and band students, he is so much more.

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