St. Amant High School Band and Director Joseph Nassar Honored with LMEA's 2023 Standard of Excellence Award
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – September 29, 2023 – The Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) has announced that the St. Amant High School Band and its director, Joseph Nassar, have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 Standard of Excellence Award. This distinguished award recognizes exceptional teaching and outstanding performance in Louisiana High School and Middle School instrumental music programs, positioning the St. Amant High School Band as the very best in the state. The announcement was made by Scotty Walker, Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, who praised Mr. Nassar and his students for their exceptional contributions to music education.
The St. Amant Wind Symphony was chosen after a rigorous statewide audition and application process, assessed by a panel of esteemed music professionals from across the nation. One of the adjudicators praised the Wind Symphony's performance, stating, "Without question, this performance is to be included in any 'Best of the Best' collection for Louisiana, and I might add would be the envy of many band communities in other states." Walker also recognized Nassar's dedication and commitment to his students, referring to him as a "master teacher." The award plaque will be prominently displayed during the conference.
In response to the recognition, Mr. Nassar expressed his gratitude to the band and community. "I am deeply honored to receive the 2023 Standard of Excellence Award from LMEA. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our amazing students, as well as the support of St. Amant High School, and the entire Ascension Parish School System. I am excited to continue sharing the joy of music with our community," he said.
St. Amant High School Band's dedication to excellence in music education is reflected in their 2023 Wind Symphony Repertoire, which was included in the audition:
Magnolia Star – Steve Danyew
Prelude Op. 34, No. 14 – Dmitry Shostakovich/transcribed by H. Robert Reynolds
Give Us This Day – David Maslanka
Shadow Rituals – Michael Markowski
Nessun Dorma – Giacomo Puccini/Arr. Johnnie Vinson
Awakening – Aaron Perrine (World Premiere)
The LMEA Standard of Excellence Award signifies the highest level of achievement in music education, with recipients chosen by a select committee appointed by the chairman. This accolade underscores the outstanding contributions of Mr. Joseph Nassar and the St. Amant High School Band to the world of instrumental music education.
For more information about the LMEA and the Standard of Excellence Award, please visit www.lmeamusic.org.
The St. Amant Wind Symphony was chosen after a rigorous statewide audition and application process, assessed by a panel of esteemed music professionals from across the nation. One of the adjudicators praised the Wind Symphony's performance, stating, "Without question, this performance is to be included in any 'Best of the Best' collection for Louisiana, and I might add would be the envy of many band communities in other states." Walker also recognized Nassar's dedication and commitment to his students, referring to him as a "master teacher." The award plaque will be prominently displayed during the conference.
In response to the recognition, Mr. Nassar expressed his gratitude to the band and community. "I am deeply honored to receive the 2023 Standard of Excellence Award from LMEA. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our amazing students, as well as the support of St. Amant High School, and the entire Ascension Parish School System. I am excited to continue sharing the joy of music with our community," he said.
St. Amant High School Band's dedication to excellence in music education is reflected in their 2023 Wind Symphony Repertoire, which was included in the audition:
Magnolia Star – Steve Danyew
Prelude Op. 34, No. 14 – Dmitry Shostakovich/transcribed by H. Robert Reynolds
Give Us This Day – David Maslanka
Shadow Rituals – Michael Markowski
Nessun Dorma – Giacomo Puccini/Arr. Johnnie Vinson
Awakening – Aaron Perrine (World Premiere)
The LMEA Standard of Excellence Award signifies the highest level of achievement in music education, with recipients chosen by a select committee appointed by the chairman. This accolade underscores the outstanding contributions of Mr. Joseph Nassar and the St. Amant High School Band to the world of instrumental music education.
For more information about the LMEA and the Standard of Excellence Award, please visit www.lmeamusic.org.