If you are a current or former South Pasadena High school student, staff member or colleague/friend of our dad Howard E. Crawford, please help us continue advocating to rename the band room in his honor. Our collaborative commitment to honoring his legacy has been incredible thus far, but our progress has been challenged by the the South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education and unknown individuals in a seemingly personal attack against Mr. Crawford.

Board members agreed to add the band room renaming request to the 8/13/2024 board agenda for discussion and acknowledged during this meeting that our father, Mr. Crawford, deserves recognition for his outstanding service and impact. However, they chose NOT to move this request forward as a board action item and currently have no plans to reconsider their decision.

WHAT'S NEXT:

1. Sign the petition if you haven't already (we're over 1,000 signatures strong!)
2. Check out our latest petition updates from 12/12/24 and 10/3/24
3. Help amplify this cause by sharing this news article with South Pasadena city representatives, community leaders and organizations, local/regional media contacts, and across your social media networks
4. Make your voice heard on social media with our hashtag: #RenameSPHSbandroom
   
   We urge the South Pasadena community, especially those with influence and have been personally impacted by our father's legacy, to show up at the upcoming board meetings with us. Your presence and voice are crucial in challenging this decision and ensuring that Mr. Crawford receives the honor he has undeniably earned, for his immeasurable impact as the longest-serving music director at South Pasadena High School. 
   
   Upcoming Board Meetings
   
   January 14, 2025
   February 11, 2025
   March 11, 2025
   April 8, 2025
   May 13, 2025
   June 10, 2025
   June 24, 2025
   
   Please plan to arrive by 6:15pm to make a 3-minute public comment sharing why you support this effort/request to formally recognize my dad's significant community contributions at this address:
   

South Pasadena Unified School District
1100 El Centro Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030

 

BACKGROUND:
For nearly 40 years, our father, Howard E. Crawford, has been the heart and soul of the South Pasadena High School instrumental program and advocate for the arts department. His dedication and passion have touched countless lives, from inspiring young musicians to enriching the broader community with significant contributions to SPHS, SPUSD and the South Pasadena community overall.

From unforgettable performances at parades, tree lightings, and school events to sustaining an award-winning music program, his 34-year tenure at SPHS is not just a job well done; it's a legacy of excellence, commitment, and heartfelt mentorship.

Thank you for joining us and the SPHS Music Boosters to celebrate him on campus during his retirement party in honor of his 34-year teaching career. It was amazing to see current and former faculty, alumni, current students and their families and friends of Mr. Crawford join us in celebration.

Now that he has retired, it is only fitting that we honor his unparalleled contributions by renaming the beloved band room after him. This is not merely a token gesture but a recognition of a man who spent his entire career shaping the futures of over a generation of students in that very room (as well as the old band room that was on Rollin and Diamond). 

The band room is not just a classroom; it is a place where creativity blossomed, lifelong friendships were formed, and young musicians unlocked a passion for music. It's become a centralized safe space for students -- before, during and after school -- often rallying students together across arts departments to learn, interact and showcase their talents. Former SPHS music students regularly came to the band room specifically to pay Mr. Crawford a visit and share their appreciation for their time in his classroom and programs, even bringing along their children for a nostalgic experience. 

We'd love to have the support of those who know first-hand of his selfless work and 34-year impact. Renaming the band room aligns with honors given to other educators who have significantly contributed to SPUSD, and Mr. Crawford’s situation is undeniably unique. His legacy includes:

• A Generational Impact: Mr. Crawford's influence spans decades, creating a ripple effect through countless students and their families. With his retirement, he has ensured that SPHS can continue to reap the benefits of a thriving music and arts department -- during a time where many other schools around the country have seen extreme teacher turnover, reduced budgets and lower music student enrollment.
  
  
• Unwavering Commitment: He devoted endless hours to sustaining an award-winning music program, committing so much time, energy and resources to after-school practices, weekend competitions, in and out-of-state performances, band camps, and community events, fostering a culture of dedication and excellence. He also expanded the music/arts program into drum line and color guard class offerings for students with niche interests in the arts and helped to ensure that marching band was credited as a physical education elective.
  
  
• Exceptional Teaching Career: His tenure as an educator and mentor allowed for countless students and families to find their musical spark, earn scholarships and enrollment at top universities/colleges, and have led to successful music careers and professions in various industries. Students have gone onto music colleges at top programs at Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, California Institute of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon University, Howard University (his alma mater), Oberlin Conservatory, many UCs and Cal States, and more!
  
  
• Community Enrichment: His leadership in SPHS' music programs has not only elevated the school’s reputation but also brought great joy and pride to the entire South Pasadena community.

We have the support of SPHS/SPUSD band boosters, alumni, current and former teachers, faculty/staff, students and their families, all of whom recognize the importance of this honor. We now turn to the school board to support our cause and give Mr. Crawford, our dad the recognition he truly deserves.

By renaming the band room, we are not just celebrating his retirement; we are preserving the memory of his contributions for future generations. Let’s ensure that the legacy of Howard E. Crawford inspires and nurtures students for years to come, just as he has done for the past 34 years.

Please join us in this heartfelt campaign to honor a remarkable educator and community leader. Sign our petition and help us educate and encourage the current school board and administration at SPHS/SPUSD to give Mr. Crawford the tribute worthy of his extraordinary service. 

Feel free to leave a personal note/testimonial with your petition signature or in Mr. Crawfords digital signing book, so that we may share with the administration to help justify our cause. 

From the loving family of Mr. Crawford.

Recent Articles of Mr. Crawford's 34-Year Impact:

1. https://southpasadenan.com/music-legend-howard-crawford-says-goodbye/ 
2. https://southpasadenan.com/solace-in-sound-howard-crawfords-musical-haven-at-sphs/ 
3. https://southpasadenan.com/howard-e-crawford-retires-join-sphs-music-boosters-for-celebration-in-his-honor-june-1/
4. https://southpasadenareview.outlooknewspapers.com/blog/2024/05/19/beloved-band-director-howard-crawford-conducts-grand-finale-on-a-sweet-note/