Lincoln East High School Music Department—Exemplary Program Award

Background

The Nebraska Music Education Association (NMEA) has recently honored the Lincoln East High School Music Department with the Exemplary Program Award. East High School becomes one of only eight music departments, pre-K through grade 12, to win this statewide award since 2000. The purpose of this award is to recognize music programs and their communities that have maintained a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in music education. NMEA cited East High School’s high student participation rate, the dedication of its staff, the quality of student performances and the commitment and support of the school community.

Explanation

The Nebraska Music Education Association has recently honored the Lincoln East High School Music Department with the Exemplary Program Award. East High becomes one of only eight music departments, pre-K through grade 12, to win this prestigious statewide award since 2000 and the first from Lincoln Public Schools. The award honors programs that have maintained a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in music education.

In its final assessment, the NMEA said this about the East High School Music Department:

“Especially noteworthy is that the music faculty praised the teaching of their co-workers, repeatedly. The camaraderie among the staff was obvious…Excellence was obvious in every class we observed. Objectives were kept high and students strived to excel…Students loved the way the teachers allowed them to mentor other students. Upper classmen were mentors to incoming music students. This happened not only within specific classes, but was evident across the curriculum.”

Lance Nielsen, supervisor of music for Lincoln Public Schools, said this about the honor:

“The Lincoln East Music Department lives its mission statement of ‘Excellence by Every Measure’ each and every day. The music educators are passionate teachers who motivate and inspire their students to excel in the creation and performance of music.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Nebraska Music Education Association honored the Lincoln East High School Music Department with the Exemplary Program Award; and

WHEREAS, The East High School Music Department is one of only eight music departments statewide to win this prestigious award since 2000; and

WHEREAS, The East High School Music Department has a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in music education; and

WHEREAS, The East High School Music Department demonstrates this excellence through a high student participation rate, passionate and innovative teachers, exemplary student performance and strong community support.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate the Lincoln East High School Music Department for winning the 2018 Exemplary Program Award from the Nebraska Music Education Association.

Updated November 14, 2019