The National Federation of State High School Association's (NFHS) 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 Avian Bear, Blue Valley High School Director of Bands in Overland Park, has been selected as the 2015-16 Kansas NFHS "Outstanding Music Educator Award" recipient. Avian has given her professional life with the goal of creating quality experiences for music students and teachers in Kansas. Avian is beginning her 41st year of teaching music in Oklahoma and Kansas. Ms. Bear's high school marching bands and wind ensembles are second to none in the state of Kansas. In 2000, her Free State High School Band was chosen to perform at the Kansas Music Educators State (KMEA) Convention. In 2001, the Free State High School Band was one of fourteen bands chosen nationally for the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. This is the first and only band from Kansas ever chosen as one of the top tier bands since the beginning of the festival in 1992. The Blue Valley High School Band was chosen to perform at the KMEA Convention in 2009. Avian is a highly respected high school educator. Her music colleagues hold her in the highest regard as a true music education leader in Kansas. Avian is constantly helping all students in her program, including special needs kids. She is very emotionally charged to assist all young people in her programs and in her high school. Avian sees the big picture and is an exceptional teacher. After even a short conversation with Avian, you immediately see the passion and hear the excitement in her voice. She is a constant music advocate by educating her students, parents, colleagues, government officials, and her community in the importance of music education and the arts.
The NFHS Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award was first given in 1989 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 156 sectional and 281 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2015-2016 are eight sectional awards and ten state awards. Also, 1989 marked the beginning of an annual selection of a NFHS Citation recipient. The Citation is one of the highest awards presented by the NFHS in the fine arts.