By Jean Schlegel
Valley City Times-Record

Don Peitz, former music director at Oakes Public School from 1969-1997, was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Oakes High School on Oct. 6, 2008. Peitz passed away on Dec. 14, 2007.
The award was presented to his family, Elaine, Rita, and Randy, by Steve Ketterling, Oakes School board president.
The award is displayed in the Oakes public library.
His wife, Elaine Peitz, gave a presentation about her husband’s “Life and Career,” and in closing, one number, “Music for a Ceremony,” was shared from the record the band made in 1966.
The bands had many honors over the years at district and state music contests, as well as individual awards. They were given awards for college homecomings as well. The Oakes band also participated in the WDAY band festivals in Fargo.
In May of 1960, the Oakes High School Marching Band was selected from 81 bands to represent North Dakota at the Minnesota State Fair in August.
Over the years, many students were given the opportunity to attend band camp at the International Peace Gardens.
Peitz began the presentation of the John Phillip Sousa Award to a senior for outstanding work in band.
He was awarded the Golden Apple Award in 1986 from the Oakes School District.
Peitz is credited with penning the arrangement to “Raise the Banner,” the school song.
He graduated from Hankinson High School in 1953, and from Valley City State University in 1957. Peitz taught music and business at Tower City and Buffalo in 1957-59.
As one student put it, “He was the guiding light in the music world and set our lives to music.”