Great Bend Middle School band director Don Regehr received the Southwest Kansas Music Education Association’s “Outstanding Music Educator” award on Nov. 5. The plaque states the award is “To honor your excellence in teaching by word and deed. Your presence has enriched the lives of students, and served as an example for all.”

Story submitted by Great Bend USD 428:

The South West Kansas Music Educators Association named Don Regehr as the 2022 Outstanding Middle School Music Educator at their annual Middle School and High School Festival held on Nov. 5 in Dodge City. 

The festival featured performances from middle school and high school students from across the state, workshops with notable clinicians, and several special recognitions. 

“Mr. Regehr is passionate about band and its positive impact on students,” said David Reiser, principal at Great Bend Middle School. “His bands are always well prepared and perform at the highest levels of achievement. I am so excited that Mr. Regehr is being acknowledged by his colleagues in 

Kansas for his accomplishments and focus on excellence in band performances.”

Regehr was recognized for his accomplishment at GBMS’s first all school Pep Assembly held on Wednesday.

For more information about music education at Great Bend Middle School, please contact 620-793-1510.

About Don Regehr

Don Regehr received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Bethany College. He has taught 5-12 band, as well as some K-6 general music for 37 years. He has taught in Hill City, Central of Burden district, Great Bend, and Ellinwood. Currently he is in his 7th year serving as the director at Great Bend Middle School, Park Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and as the assistant for Great Bend High School band and jazz band. Through-out these positions, he has not only prepared and directed many concerts, but has also assisted many students as they have worked on solos and ensembles for festivals and honor band auditions. Mr. Regehr serves as an organist for his church. He also participates in the Great Bend City Band, the Barton County Prairie Winds Ensemble and the “Old Tyme Town Band” on French horn and trumpet. He has previously served as the Middle Level chair for the SWKMEA honor band and as President of the Phi Beta Mu band director fraternity. He is a member of KMEA, NAfME, KBA, KNEA, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.