Mr. Styer cements himself into PMEA’s elite
By Zak Zanella, ‘23 news editor
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Mr. Kevin Styer, Shamokin Area Middle/High School band director for more than two decades, received a very prestigious award for his long-term dedication and commitment to music excellence. On April 20, at the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) conference, Styer received the Citation of Excellence award, bestowed upon him by PMEA President Scott Cullen.
The ceremony took place at the convention center inside Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains. Cullen is an instrumental music teacher for 7th to 12th graders at Octorara Area School District in Atglen, Pennsylvania.
Styer states that it was an absolute privilege for him to be selected among so many other individuals of the same caliber.
“It is a great honor to be selected by my peers for this honor. I was among one of 12 in the state to receive this award,’’ Styer stated.
The purpose of the Citation of Excellence award is to recognize any current PMEA member who teaches inside either high schools or colleges/universities that have gone above and beyond, and performed the ultimate sacrifice in providing everlasting contributions in their desired area of teaching. This award is periodically given out on a 2-year rotation. .
Mr. Kevin Styer, band director for Shamokin Area High School, sits and focuses on some work on his laptop.
(Photo by Zak Zanella, ‘23 news editor)
Styer was selected randomly alongside 200-plus members spanning across 48 schools who participate in the PMEA District 8 unit. The unit comprises various schools that are centered inside the Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties in Pennsylvania. Mr. Styer is indebted to his high school band teacher who allowed him to immerse himself in the world of band music for as long as he can remember, and that motivation has propelled him to become who he is today.
“When I was in high school, I was inspired by my high school band teacher. Band was my life and I wanted to do that full time,’’ Styer remarked.
Last year, Styer had the great privilege of being invited to march along with 275 other band directors, as they participated in the 133rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda, as part of the
“Saluting America’s Band Directors’’ initiative, which was spearheaded by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, an organization that assists in embracing, supporting and assisting the arts industry situated around the Central Ohio area.
“It was an amazing experience,’’ Styer reminisced. ‘’I was able to do what I preach; I did what I ask my students to do. Meeting people from all over the United States was amazing. The same group that Styer was involved with will also get the unique opportunity to participate in a wonderful spectacle, by taking part in the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, set to be held on November 23 in the heart of New York City
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