Howell named 2025 Music Educator of the Year
Kristin Howell of Sysosset (NY) High School has been named the BHS/NAfME 2025 Music Educator of the Year. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, performing, and the lifelong impact music teachers make on young singers.
Howell received the award at a December 2024 school concert, and will be more formally recognized at the BHS 2025 Midwinter Convention in San Antonio in February.
Kristin holds the rare distinction of becoming a teacher at the same school she herself attended as a student. As a singer in the nationally-recognized Syosset choirs, she was inspired by the legendary Lindi Bortney-Shedd, whose mentorship encouraged her to pursue a career in music education. Howell earned her B.S. in Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.S. in Music Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Professional Diploma in School District Administration at LIU Post.
“When my late wife Lindi retired from Syosset in 2000, there was only one person she wanted to carry on her work: Kristin Howell,” said Jerome Shedd. “Kristin had been her student in seventh through twelfth grades, and as a member of the Adelettes women’s chorus had experienced winning top honors in many barbershop competitions nationally. Lindi had complete confidence in her ability to preserve and enhance barbershop in Syosset.”
Stepping into the shoes of one’s mentor can be daunting, especially one so accomplished. But Kristin’s own accomplishments, love for the choral arts, and continuing influence on her students have carved out her own unique legacy at Syosset. “When you are in one of Mrs. Howell’s performance groups, you are part of a musical family that transcends decades and life experiences,” said Beth Waschitz, a past student. “You will forever sing your voice part during holiday carols, Valentine’s Day won’t be complete without a singing telegram from the Adelettes or Choral Pride, you will always giggle from the choreography of Sh-boom.”
In addition to her teaching, Kristin is the visionary behind large school functions such as Cabaret Night, an event she developed not only to showcase student talent but to serve as a successful fundraiser for local charities. She is the musical director for high school shows and is a published vocal arranger. Beyond her work within the school, she accompanies students at solo and ensemble festivals, further demonstrating her dedication to their individual growth and success.
Kristin’s mentorship has in turn inspired another generation of educators. “It is 100% due to her guidance, hard work, and knowledge that I am the professional I am today,” said Arielle Siegel, the 2009 president of the Adelettes and now ten years a teacher herself.
In 2024, the Adelettes celebrated its fiftieth year of continuous operation as a youth barbershop harmony chorus — believed to be the longest-running high school barbershop program in the world. The chorus will be “on the road again” (watch video) in January to the BHS Junior Chorus Festival in San Antonio, where Kristin will formally receive this distinguished award.
The Adelettes
About the Barbershop Harmony Society
The Barbershop Harmony Society is a leader in community singing and adult music education, with more than 14,000 members across North America; allied organizations in more than a dozen countries bring the total number of active singers to more than 70,000 worldwide. Through active programs in music education, publishing, performance and outreach, the Society preserves and extends the reach of a uniquely American close harmony musical art form whose roots lie in African American improvisational harmony. Founded in 1938, Society works broadly to support community and school programs that bring the fellowship, fulfillment and excitement of vocal music to a new generation of singers. Follow the Barbershop Harmony Society on Facebook (facebook.com/barbershopharmonysociety)
For additional information, contact Brian Lynch, blynch@barbershop.org or 615-673- 4131.
About NAfMe
NAfME, the National Association for Music Education, is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 130,000 members, the organization is the voice of music education in the United States. Follow NAfME on on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme)