by Katelyn Dotson, Guest Writer
Local Tri-Valley band director, Amanda Blevins, will receive the 2022 Music Educator Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th Anniversary Music Educator Awards Ceremony, held on May 14 at the Ohio Theater. She was one of four nominees selected as announced by the Columbus Symphony. The awards were created to honor individuals who make a difference in the community through a dedication to music education and promotion of a greater understanding of and appreciation for the art form.
“Of course, it is an honor. I feel very humbled and grateful to be working with such a great group of kids, and honestly, I was shocked to have won this award. That’s not why I do it anyway, but I feel blessed.” said Blevins.
At the 2022 Music Educator Awards ceremony, three other educators from the categories of elementary educator, secondary educator, and private/community educator, will be recognized. Blevins, along with the other three winners will receive a $2,500 grant to help fund any music education needs.
Amanda Blevins has been serving Tri-Valley schools for 26 years as the director of bands. She led them to great achievements, guiding the band to obtain superior and excellent ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association District and State Marching Competitions, as well as the Ohio Music Education Association District Concert Band Contest. Blevins started her career as a music educator in 1995, and her passion for her career has brought her to achieve many things. The Muskingum County Fine Arts Course of Study was created due to her contributions. She was also elected Tri-Valley Teacher of the Year in 2011, and has continued to earn numerous awards since.
During her career, she has been advocacy chair, and District IX president for the Ohio Music Education Association, was a writer for the Ohio Fine Arts Curriculum Model Team, was a presenter at OMEA State Conferences, and a performer in the Heisey Wind Ensemble at the Ohio State University Newark Campus. In 2007, Amanda was chosen to be the Daybreak Rotary Teacher of Excellence, and was awarded the title of 2012 Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Exemplary Teacher.
