Dane receives special recognition from NAfME and Barbershop Harmony Society
In recognition of her broad influence on close harmony and a cappella singing, Katy Dane of Benold Middle School, Georgetown, TX, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Music Educator Award by the Barbershop Harmony Society and NAfME, The National Association for Music Education.
The award was announced in a surprise school visit by CEO Marty Monson on February 2, 2022, with some of Katy’s friends, family, colleagues, and chapter members present.
The BHS/NAfME award honors educators “who give students the opportunity to learn and participate in the joy and power that music education brings in uplifting the human spirit and fostering the well being of society.”
Dane’s impact on music students in the Georgetown Independent School District extends across multiple ensembles and schools, including choirs, a cappella ensembles, orchestras and vocal soloists. Colleagues praise her high quality of instruction and the breadth of opportunities she provides students through festivals and trips. She has been particularly inventive in developing virtual learning environments made necessary by the pandemic. Her students have remained engaged while at home, continuing to receive personally tailored instruction online.
She is president of SING! Texas (a partner of SING! Toronto), a non-profit arts organization providing a cappella education and performance opportunities for youth and young adults across the state of Texas, and is a clinician for vocal arts events in Austin and the surrounding communities.
Dane is widely recognized throughout the barbershop community as a teacher, director and leader. She has directed the BHS men’s A Cappella Texas Chorus since 2017, and the Sweet Adelines International A Cappella Unlimited Chorus since 2011.
After receiving a scholarship to attend the Harmony University for the first time in 2011, she has become a faculty member and dean of the music educator’s track, overseeing professional development that introduces barbershop style and providing classroom tools.
Dane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Luther College; Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at Texas State University – San Marcos.
