Dutch Fork High School Band Director Jeremy Ley has received the National Band Association’s (NBA) Citation of Excellence.
The Citation of Excellence is awarded to outstanding concert band directors whose ensembles have a history of a distinguished level of accomplishment, or to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of bands and band music.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association” Ley said. “The students of the Dutch Fork Band are an amazing group to teach and I am grateful to share this award with them. I am also incredibly grateful to the parents of our band program, as well as the support from the teachers, staff and administration at Dutch Fork High School.”
Ley received the award from the NBA’s chapter president, Mr. Vince Clayton during the Dutch Fork High School Symphonic Winds’ featured guest performance at the prestigious University of South Carolina (USC) Band Clinic held February 9-12, 2023. Each February hundreds of talented high school band students from throughout the nation converge on the University of South Carolina campus to participate in a weekend of music-making and learning. Founded in 1976 by James K. Copenhaver, the USC Band Clinic is among the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious honor band events.
“We are extremely happy for Mr. Ley,” Steven Puckett, School District Five Coordinator of Athletics, Visual & Performing Arts and Physical Education said. “It is always fantastic to see someone else recognize the greatness directly around you. Having the opportunity to work with Mr. Ley in our district, I can tell you this award is well deserved. Jeremy is an amazing person, teacher, talented musician and band director!”
