John R. Lefler has taught instrumental music for thirty-six years in both Missouri and Kansas public schools.
Mr. Lefler received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1971, and a Masters of Music Education from the University of Missouri in 1974. He also completed course work at Wichita State University and Kansas University.
His teaching career began in 1972 at West County School District in Leadwood, Missouri where he taught 5th-12th grade bands for four years. From Leadwood Mr. Lefler became Band Director for the Labette County School District in Altamont, Kansas from 1976-1986.
In August of 1986, Mr. Lefler began his 20-year career in the Leavenworth School District. He retired from teaching in 2006, but decided to continue at Bonner Springs High School for two more years.
After teaching for 36 years, Mr. Lefler worked for Hume Music as a salesman traveling across northeast Kansas for three years. Mr. Lefler is still involved with music as a judge at music festivals, clinician for bands, and playing tuba in a brass quintet.