Texas State Music Alumni Katy Dane honored as 2022 Music Educator

Barbershop Harmony Society CEO Martin Monson surprises Katy Dane with the National Association for Music Education 2022 Music Educator of the Year Award

Katy Dane, a teacher with Georgetown ISD who earned a master’s in choral conducting in 2008 from Texas State University, has been named the 2022 Music Educator by the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

The award goes to educators “who give students the opportunity to learn and participate in the joy and power that music education brings in uplifting the human spirit and fostering the wellbeing of society.” Dane was honored at a presentation on Feb. 2 at Benhold Middle School, where she teaches chorus and conducts the orchestra. Her friends and family were also in attendance.

Dane’s impact on music students in the district extends across multiple ensembles and schools, including choirs, a cappella ensembles, orchestras, and vocal soloists. Colleagues praise her high quality of instruction and the breadth of opportunities she provides students through festivals and trips.

“When it comes to inspiring others through music, Katy is a stunning example of selfless commitment to empowering others to engage in artistic expression regardless of their vocation or walk in life,” said Dr. Joey Martin, interim director of the Texas State School of Music. 

She has been particularly inventive in developing virtual learning environments made necessary by the pandemic. Her students have remained engaged while at home, continuing to receive personally tailored instruction online.

Dane is president of SING! Texas, a nonprofit organization providing a cappella education and performance opportunities for youth and young adults across the state, and is a clinician for vocal arts events in Austin and the surrounding communities.

She is widely recognized throughout the barbershop community as a teacher, director, and leader. For several years she has directed the BHS men’s A Cappella Texas Chorus  and the Sweet Adelines International A Cappella Unlimited Chorus.