R.J. Metteer: Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award

Background

Lincoln Southeast High School band director R.J. Metteer received the 2025 Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. The award is the NSBA’s top honor and is given to only one person each year recognizing a lifetime of going above and beyond in their band classrooms.

Explanation

R.J. Metteer has taught for 30 years and serves as the band director for Southeast High School overseeing marching band, concert band, jazz band and pep band ensembles. He is also chair of Southeast’s performing arts department. Mr. Metteer is retiring at the end of this school year.

The Nebraska State Bandmasters Association recently honored R.J. with the 2025 Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award. The 57-page nomination packet contained letters of support from people living across the United States who have all been impacted by Mr. Metteer’s career in music education.

Amber Rothchild, former student and current colleague at Southeast said:

“What stands out most is Mr. Metteer’s genuine care for each student. He takes the time to understand individual strengths and challenges, offering support and encouragement that extends beyond the music room.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, R.J. Metteer teaches music at Lincoln Southeast High School, and was recently honored with the 2025 Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award by the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association; and 

WHEREAS, R.J. Metteer works collaboratively to build quality music programs in our schools and community; and 

WHEREAS, R.J. Metteer is committed to the success of students exploring their passions in music and the arts, and provides opportunities for all students to discover their musical abilities; and 

WHEREAS, R.J. Metteer is valued, respected and admired among his colleagues, not only at Lincoln Public Schools, but also across the state of Nebraska and the United States; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate R.J. Metteer for being honored by the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association with the 2025 Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award.

Updated May 13, 2025