NEIBA Award Recipient
NEIBA announces 2020 Philip Sehmann Excellence in Teaching Award recipient- Middle School
The Philip Sehmann Excellence in Teaching Award (High School level, Middle School level, Elementary level) is given in memory of Mr. Sehmann who had a highly distinguished career as Director of Bands at Crestwood Community Schools. This award is presented to those individuals who meet the criteria of excellence, dedication and commitment to the value of instrumental music education in our schools.
Ben Byersdorfer is in his 13th year as band director at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls, Iowa. There he teaches two concert bands, one jazz band and individual lessons at the 8th and 9th grade levels. He previously served as band director at SCMT Middle School in Thornton, Iowa for two years. His 8th grade concert band was selected to perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Convention in 2015 and 2019. In 2018, Ben was named a recipient of the R.J. McElroy Trust Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching. Ben’s wife Ann is a 5th and 6th grade band director in Cedar Falls.
