Dana Hamant

The National Federation of State High School Association's Outstanding Music Educator Award recognizes high school or college band, choral or orchestral directors, supervisors, and adjudicators. It is awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted high school activities programs. Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and carry the endorsement of their respective state high school association. Significant and/or long-term contributions to interscholastic high school music activities are important criterion in evaluating candidates.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) is pleased to announce that Dana Hamant, Wichita, Kansas, has been selected as the 2012-13 NFHS "National Citation Outstanding Music Educator Award" recipient. He is this year's recipient representing all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. The official awards presentation will be held during the NFHS annual summer meeting in Denver, Colorado on June 25, 2013.

For 31 years Dana Hamant has dedicated his professional career to teaching students. He is in the middle of his 1st year serving as Wichita Public School 6th grade instrumental specialist. Last year he retired after 16th years at Wichita East High School serving as the Director of Bands which included conducting the Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Band. Prior to Wichita, he taught at Hutchinson Public Schools, at Wichita North High School, and at Cimarron Public Schools. During this tenure he has served 15 years as a KSHSAA state large group festival manager, chaired the KMEA festivals committee for the past 7 years, served as an assistant conductor, musical director and tour director for over 12 Kansas Lions International Bands, and annually serves as a KSHSAA music adjudicator across the state.

The NFHS National Citation Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award was first given in 1987. The Citation Award is one of the highest awards presented by the NFHS in the fine arts. Mr. Hamant is only the 25th music educator to receive this prestigious award. He is the third Kansas music educator to earn this distinction. Dr. David Circle from Stilwell, Kansas received this award in 2010-11 and Dr. Don Corbett from Wichita, Kansas received this award in 1998-99.