District Educator Selected for Music Teacher of the Year Award

One Shorewood band teacher’s passion for music and teaching has been recognized.

The Civic Music Association recognized Shorewood Intermediate School band teacher Robert Hughes this month as Music Teacher of the Year.

“This is truly a humbling experience,” Hughes said. “Each day, I enjoy going to school to watch young musicians grow, that in itself has always been rewarding to me.”

Hughes has taught band throughout the Shorewood School District including both elementary schools since 1994 until he moved to the middle school in 2009.

He received the award at a Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra event this month that recognizes educators.

Superintendent Blane McCann said the district is very fortunate to have Hughes as a member of the district’s music department.

“The early exposure to music and band that Bob provides has a lifelong impact on our students,” McCann said in a press release.

Jayne Perkins, a former Lake Bluff music teacher, was on a committee that had to chose between around a dozen candidates for the award and said Hughes won because he is a fantastic teacher.

“He is just the quintessential teacher,” Perkins said. “Kids love and trust him and so do his colleagues.”

Every year the Civic Music Association presents awards to get educators in music Perkins said. It is one of the oldest arts organizations in the Milwaukee area.

Perkins added Hughes really deserves this year’s award.

In addition to teaching band, Hughes is a trumpeter and percussionist for local groups including the Lakeshore Wind Symphony, Festival City Brass, the Manitowoc Symphony and Sheboygan Symphony.

Hughes said he was brought up in a musical family and he loves being a band teacher in Shorewood.

“I am privileged to share my love of music with my students,” Hughes said. “It is a real joy to see them perform as older musicians in our school bands. Music allows students the opportunity for creativity and self-expression.”