Community Consolidated School District 181 band teacher Nancy Golden has been named a 2012 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator in the Junior High Division by Quinlan and Fabish Music Company. Since 1989, the organization has been honoring individuals as a tribute to professional music educators from the Chicago area.
Golden is starting her tenth year with District 181 and currently teaches elementary band at Monroe, Prospect, The Lane and Walker. She notes, “Preparing students for the outstanding programs at CHMS and HMS makes my job extremely gratifying. I have great appreciation for teaching in District 181, where the community, the administration, my colleagues and our school board support and value the arts. Most importantly, I love working with the incredible students that come ready to perform every day!”
Golden not only teaches, but is a performer, as well. She has been a member of the Northshore Concert Band for 35 years and is the flute section leader. She also serves on their Board of Directors. “The ensemble has a rich 55-year history and has become internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and service to music education.”
“I have been lucky in my career,” Golden says, “to have a great balance of teaching budding young musicians and getting to perform with the Northshore Concert Band, a high caliber musical ensemble. Not only is this gratifying as a musician, but each week is like a mini-course in rehearsal techniques because of the outstanding conductors under whom I have played.”
In addition to teaching and performing, Golden recently completed a five-year term serving on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference and is a member of the Illinois Music Educators Association. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Flute Performance from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree in Music Education from Northwestern University.
Of the Quinlan and Fabish award, Golden remarks that she was humbled. “Outstanding band directors have been honored before me; being chosen as their selection makes this very meaningful.”
Golden was recognized as an Ambassador of Excellence by the District 181 Board of Education on August 27, along with two District 181 students, and fellow teacher Hillary Andrlik, who was named the IAEA Illinois Elementary Art Educator of the Year.
