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NMEA Music Educators Hall of Fame
Each year, members of the Nevada Music Educators Association (NMEA) have the opportunity to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on music education in our state. Nominations are accepted in the following four categories:
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Steve Maytan Service to Music Education Award
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New Music Educator of the Year
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Administrator of the Year
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Music Educator of the Year
All nominations are carefully reviewed by the NMEA Board. Recipients are selected based on their dedication, contributions, and influence within the music education community. Honorees are notified in early spring each year.
We encourage you to celebrate excellence in music education by submitting a nomination for a deserving individual!
Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award
The Nevada Music Educators Association seeks to recognize contributions made by NMEA members for excellence in music education. The MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD provides an opportunity to honor those who have been teaching in the state of Nevada, set high standards for our profession and who give us inspiration and direction. NMEA members are encouraged to submit nominations for this prestigious award. Nominations are reviewed by the NMEA Board. They will evaluate the nominations and select the award recipient.
The 2024 Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award is Angela Truitt
Angel Truitt Orchestra Director Lied Stem Academy
The 2026 Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award is Angela Truitt
Patrick Bowen Director of Jazz Las Vegas Academy
The 2025 Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award is Chris Pierson
Directors of Band at Chaparral High School
The 2025 Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award is Daniel Jensen
Directors of Band at Chaparral High School
New Music Educator of the Year Award
The Nevada Music Educators Association seeks to recognize contributions made by NMEA members for excellence in music education. The NEW MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD provides an opportunity to honor those who are new to the state of Nevada, set high standards for our profession and who give us inspiration and direction. Nominees must have 5 years or less of teaching experience.
NMEA members are encouraged to submit nominations for this prestigious award. Nominations are reviewed by the NMEA Board. They will evaluate each nomination and select the award recipient.
The 2024 Nevada New Music Educator of the Year Award is Julio Varagas-Guerra
Band Director Clark High School
The 2025 Nevada New Music Educator of the Year Award is John DiPalo
Director of Choirs at Founders Academy
The 2026 Nevada New Music Educator of the Year Award is Nikko Lopez
Director of Bands at Mannion Middle School
NMEA Administrator of the Year Award
The Nevada Music Educators Association seeks to recognize Nevada Administrators for their contributions to music education. The ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD provides an opportunity to honor those administrators who support and help to advance music education in the school and community. NMEA members are encouraged to submit nominations for this prestigious award. Nominations are submitted to the NMEA BOARD. They will evaluate the nominations and select the award recipient.
The 2024 Nevada Administrator of the Year Award is Kerry Larnard
Clark High School
The 2025 Nevada Administrator of the Year Award is Lezlie Koepp
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
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The 2026 Nevada Administrator of the Year Award is Dr. Richard Kravchak
College of Southern Nevada
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The Steve Maytan Award
The Nevada Music Educators Association are pleased to announce the Steve Maytan, Service to Music Education Award. This award recognizes contributions made by Nevadans who have provided great service to music education in Nevada. The recipient of this award should be someone who has gone “above and beyond” for the benefit of music education and music students in our state.
The 2024 Steve Maytan Award is
Timothy Thomas
Orchestra Director Coronado High School
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The 2025 Steve Maytan Award is
Matthew Symes
Director of Bands KO Knudson Academy of the Arts
The 2026 Steve Maytan Award is
Aaron Hines
Gary P Gilroy Publications
James Gillette Small School Champion of Music Education
The Nevada Music Educators Association is pleased to announce the James Gillette, Small Schools Champion for Music Education Award. This award recognizes contributions made by teachers who have provided great service and experiences to students in Nevada's schools of populations less than 1000 students. The recipient of this award should be someone who has continued to offer opportunities and support for students in their community for the benefit of music education and music students in our state.
The 2025 James Gillette Award is Brendan Holly
Director of Bands Boulder City High School
The 2026 James Gillette Award is Chris Hess
Director of Bands Boulder City High School
