BMS Band Instructor Mr. Michael Koch inducted into the Nebraska Music Education Association Hall of Fame
Bluffs Middle School is proud to announce Mr. Michael Koch, Band Instructor, was inducted into the Nebraska Music Education Association's "Music Educators Hall of Fame" at the annual NMEA Awards Banquet on November 21st.
The Nebraska Music Education Association’s Music Educators Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award that can be bestowed to NMEA members. This award is given for outstanding service to the young people of Nebraska, personal musicianship of the highest order, and exemplary teaching accomplishment.
Mr. Brad Ronne, SHS Choir Director, was instrumental in getting the nomination process started back in 2023. He gathered together recommendation letters from present or past music educators and administrators with additional letters of support from former students, parents, community leaders, etc.
Award winners must have been a member of NMEA for at least 50% of their career, contributed significantly to the music education profession, and been actively involved in music education outside of their position. The award winners must also have a record of visibility with NMEA and have prior service to the NMEA (i.e. NMEA Board officer, performance at NMEA conference).
Michael Koch has been a member of the NMEA for 37 years, he has led an exemplary program having had students selected to the 8th Grade All State Band for the last 25 years. He has been the event host for the Western NE Middle-Level Music Contest for 19 years. Mr. Koch has been an active adjudicator, been an officer on the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Board, and mentored younger directors. He has attended the NMEA Conference/Clinic for 37 years and has been on several committees including the committee to revise the recommended music list. He was the NMEA Middle Level Chair, is the NSBA President-Elect and has had 6 groups perform for either NMEA Conference or NSBA Conference. He is a long-time member of the Western NE Winds and the "Fire in the Pan Swingers" at WNCC and is frequently seen playing trumpet at area church/community events.
In the last 77 years, there have only been three Junior High/Middle School Band Directors in Scottsbluff. Georgene Diers was the Junior High director for 43 years, Dean L. Maxwell was the Middle School director for 7 years, & Michael Koch has been the Middle School director for 27 years. All three of these directors have been inducted into the NMEA Music Educators Hall of Fame.
Koch has taught in Milford, Shickley, Bridgeport, and Scottsbluff. All in Nebraska.