The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association

Comments and memories from Colleagues and students

 

In June 1963 Woodward principal Virgil Sloan invited me to join his meeting with Keith Biler at Angelo’s. Keith was a candidate to fill the band director vacancy left by Mr. Music, Sam Szor. It was evident that Keith Biler had qualities which would enable him to succeed in this challenging role. Keith exceeded our expectations as he progressed through the transition and skillfully led the band for ten years.

 

As a current member of the Toledo area band community, I am aware of evidence of his enormous impact on WHS band members.

Dan Duvendack – Woodward teacher and 1992 Hall of Fame inductee.

 

 

“Keith Biler became my Band Director my Senior year, 1963. He replaced Sam Szor who had built an incredible program, was admired and liked. But Keith quickly earned respect by showing his love for music, his skills as a director and his ability to change some things and keep others the same. For instance, he challenged every player in band and orchestra to be better musicians and to improve their musical skills. He kept old traditions like Gus on the band bus to games, and he kept spring musicals.

 

My husband, Dick Hoffman was director of these musicals. Keith and Dick became close friends, they made a musical come to life from the planning stages to opening night and to the cast parties. For many students, these musicals became a chance to perform whether as an actor, as a musician or a tech person. Keith had a way to motivate, a unique laugh and smile that warmed a room, and a way to make students feel and see improvement and success.

 

Dick and I spent many evenings with the Bilers reminiscing about all the musicals, the way they brought such a sense of community between students, faculty and school administration. I know WHS was a better place because of Keith, his insistence to perform well and his insistence that students be the performers. I am so glad that he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

Sue Dahlmeyer Hoffman - Class of 1964 and wife of 2005 HOF Inductee Dick Hoffman

 

 

Mr. Biler faced numerous challenges with the many different personalities he would deal with as a band director

 

There were several occasions he would get a call in the teachers’ lounge about extremely loud music being played in the band room. The caller would be a teacher on the third floor!

During performances of the Extrav he would have to deal with failing backdrops. Not so eloquently. But the performance went on!

 

For any male member of the band, the worst time would be when Mr. Biler would single them for any number of inappropriate behaviors. Then Mr. Biler would point his baton at them and say the word as only Mr Biler could say, “BOY, it is time to practice rests!”

 

Mr. Biler was also good at motivating the band to perform better. There was a time that the football team was not having much success on the field so before the band took the field, he extolled the band to “go beat that band by 40 to nothing!” it was indeed a great performance!

My personal favorite story about Mr. Biler was told to us at our annual end of the year band banquet. The guest speaker was the then principal, Mr. Virgil Sloan. Mr. Sloan explained to us how Mr. Biler became the band director at Woodward. Mr. Sloan told us that when the opening came up, he had contacted the power to be at the board and he (Mr. Sloan’s words) did not want them to send him some sissy. He wanted a real man! And as fate would have it on the day Mr. Biler went to interview Mr. Sloan, he showed up with two black eyes! Mr. Sloan had found the right man for the job.

Tom Kaminski - Class of 1970

 

 

Mr. Biler was my teacher from 1964, when I was a seventh grader at Point Place Junior High School, until I graduated from Woodward in 1970.  He was one of the most influential people in my life, even until this day.  Not only was he a great music teacher, but he was a moral compass, a cheerleader that supported me as a student, and a person with whom I could talk to about things that were outside the classroom.

 

Because of Mr. Biler, I developed a lifelong interest in music.  Not many people come out of high school listening to classical music, but Mr. Biler had me doing that.  My appreciation of music has never diminished thanks to him, sixty years later.

 

Because of Mr. Biler, I made friendships that are still strong after all these years.  He always told his students to “choose your friends wisely.”  He knew that having good friends is important to having a successful life.  High school is not always an easy time, but with the friendships I made in band, the years were easier.

 

I wish he was here to accept this well-deserved honor.  He dedicated his life to being a good teacher and mentor.  To him, I simply say thank you for a job well done.

Bob Kowalski – Class of 1970

 

 

Although he was strict, he created an atmosphere of fun and comradery.  He demanded our best but made the experience rewarding and fun!  He created a space where all felt welcome and accepted.  Band was definitely a highlight of my high school days.  Many of my close friends came from band. 

Jean Atwood - Class of 1971

 

 

Some of the best memories and highlights of my days at Woodward was without a doubt being in the band.  The best one I have of Mr. Biler was marching in a parade in downtown Toledo.  There were so many over the years, but this one is where I was carrying the bass drum.  Clearly not paying attention, I ran right into the back of a parked car.  I looked around to see who might have noticed, immediately seeing Mr. Biler on the sidewalk behind me.  Thought sure he’d be mad, but instead he shook his head and laughed.  What a relief!  Looking back, I’m pretty sure the owner of the car with the broken taillight was not laughing.

Doug Rahe - Class of 1971

 

 

Mr. Biler was my hero. He let me be in band and orchestra, which rescued my high school career from a much more lackluster and drab alternative. My experiences in band and orchestra helped shape me into the person I am today, and gave me both lifelong friendships and fond memories I will never forget.

 

Mr. Biler taught us not only all the glory and nuances of music, but also a "don't give up" work ethic, encouraging us to continually strive for improvement, a most valuable lesson for life after high school.

 

I loved my band and orchestra experiences, and wish every high school student could have a teacher like Mr. Biler. He made such an impact on my high school years, and I heartily wish that for any high school kid - but especially for lonely, backward kids who don't "fit in". Mr. Biler helped build my self-confidence and belief in myself, and for that I can never repay him. I only hope he knew how many kids' lives he touched and transformed.

Charlotte Stifel Abbott - Class of 1971

 

 

Mr. Biler has been such an inspiration to me. He was a wonderful musician, teacher and director. Many people who were in the band cited how boring high school would have been had they not have been a Woodward High School Band member. It definitely added a boost to my high school life! I was elected as band president in my senior year. Because of this, Joe Harris and I worked together to create an anniversary football halftime show to honor Mr. Biler. He never seemed to like being in the spotlight. I remember a shy smile he gave to Joe and me.

 

It’s been over 50 years, and I still can recall his smile. Mr. Biler also had a great belief in me as a musician. I will always be grateful. I made many great high school friendships during my four years in the band. The people were wonderful! I am now married to one of those former friends! Mr. and Mrs. Biler are still thought of many times. They made quite an impression on me and many other band members!

Shelley Jordan Sommers Kosmatak – Class of 1972

 

 

A special thanks to the HOF committee for recognizing Mr. Biler for this well-deserved honor. During

my four years (1969-72) as a part of the Woodward Senior Band, Orchestra and Toledo Youth

Orchestra, Mr. Biler had a tremendous impact on my growth as a musician as well as my personal

growth as a young man. I was fortunate to have many meaningful conversations with him during my

time at WHS and witnessed firsthand his dedication to going the “extra mile” to assist the students

in the programs he directed. While he could be strict at times, many of us really needed that help to

keep us focused on the goal of being the best band in Toledo. Although no longer with us, his

influence in shaping the lives of hundreds of young musicians he directly mentored lives on through

those of us who have in turn, touched the lives of many more young musicians over the past 50

years. I think of him often and still smile at the many happy memories he helped create in my life.

Jeff Moyer – Class of 1972

 

 

What I remember most about Mr. Biler was his kindness and support.  I wasn’t the best musician, but he always encouraged me and made sure I was an important member of the band.  He created a safe environment and not only allowed us to be individuals but become part of something much larger.  Mr. Biler was a natural leader who taught us to be a great concert band and the best marching band.  I have only good memories of my time with him.

Carol Kopfmann McElfresh - Class of 1973

 

 

Keith Biler was my favorite teacher at Woodward. Everyone I know from my time in the Woodward band had great affection and admiration for him. It didn't matter at what level you played; he expected the same amount of effort from everyone. He treated and appreciated everyone the same regardless of their ability as a musician. He had the gift of being a strong taskmaster while still making it fun. 

 

In the summer of 1970 Mr. Biler began a tradition at Woodward that lasted many years after his departure. The first full-time “band camp” was held for a week at Camp Palmer near Fayette, Ohio. It took the summer band practices to a new level.

 

My senior year Mr. Biler asked me to represent Woodward by playing taps for the Buddy Frankowski VFW post funerals. I didn't fully understand what that meant until many years later. That was his gift to me, which I still appreciate all these years later.

Tom Smith - Class of 1973

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