Palmer honored with Young Band Director Award

Usually the person holding the baton is in charge at a band concert, so Megan Palmer was surprised when several people unexpectedly walked on stage during last week’s South View Middle School eighth grade concert. They were there to present her with the Minnesota Young Band Director Award.

The award, presented by the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) and sponsored locally by Schmitt Music, recognizes excellence in music programs directed by the recipient and the director’s work in the advancement of school band programs.

This is Palmer’s first year in Edina Public Schools. She previously taught middle and high school band in the Waconia Public Schools for seven years, and prior to that in St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale Cooper, and St. Cloud Area Schools. Palmer holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s of music education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.

“I am grateful to join the wonderful band team and music team here in Edina, which clearly supports the arts and music as a school district and community,” Palmer said. “Music is unique in that a special kind of learning takes place that influences the intellectual and emotional development of learners.” She noted the many skills that involvement in music nurtures: cooperative learning, leadership and followership proficiency, grit and determination, decision-making, responsibility, creativity and problem solving, and a “lifelong appreciation for the subtleties that define our world.”

“I feel honored and humbled to receive this award,” Palmer said. “I am also thankful for the guidance I have received from mentors, administrators, students and families through the years to guide and push me to be a better band director, constantly learning and growing in my teaching.”