Lawrence High School’s band director has been selected by a regional cohort of music educators for an annual award.
The Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association this month awarded Mike Jones with the 2024 Outstanding Band Director Award. Jones, who has directed bands at LHS since 2001, said students are the highlight of his job.
“I love music and I love young people, and so when I get to work with both, it’s great,” Jones said. “So, by far, that is the best thing.”
Although Jones can play all the instruments he teaches his classes, he warned “the only one that you really want to hear me play is the trumpet.”
The Lawrence school district announced Jones’ award via a Facebook post, in which LHS Orchestra Director Mariah Barnett shared sentiments regarding her colleague.
“We all know the difference that Mike makes at LHS — the love he has for this school, the students, and our Fine Arts Department,” Barnett said in the post. “For me, Mike has been a great mentor and supporter when stepping into this job. He always responds with kindness, patience, and caring, while also bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.”
NEKMEA is now nominating Jones for the KMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award. He will represent the Northeast district as he’s up for the state honor.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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