West Chester Alumnus Wins Music Association Honor
A graduate of West Chester’s Wells School of Music was recently awarded the 2019 Outstanding Young Music Educator Award at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
Jack Hontz, who received degrees in both Clarinet Performance and Music Education from West Chester in 2015, and is currently finishing a Master of Music in Conducting, was recognized at the annual awards breakfast during the 2019 PMEA Eastern Division Conference on Saturday, April 6, 2019.
The PMEA Award was created to honor an outstanding young music educator within their first 3-5 years of teaching for their contributions to music education and PMEA. Hontz is the current Director of Bands at West Chester’s Henderson High School.
“Without a doubt, Jack is one of the best teachers I have ever observed in my 22 years of education,” says Henderson High School Principal, Jason P. Sherlock. “He is a great role model for our students.”
He adds, “Students want to be a part of the Henderson High School band because of Jack Hontz. He has revitalized the program.”
Hontz says, “I am grateful for the comprehensive and thorough education I received at West Chester University which has set me up for success in my career. And I am especially appreciative for the mentorship and continued support I receive from Professors Andrew Yozviak and Greg Martin.”
Christopher Hanning, Dean of the Wells School of Music at West Chester University adds, “Jack is definitely one of West Chester’s superstars. We couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.”
About PMEA - The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,500 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities.
About West Chester University’s Wells School of Music - West Chester University’s Wells School of Music offers students an outstanding opportunity in concentrated performance and musicianship through its educational centerpiece — the Applied Music Department. The School’s superior performance and practice venues include 22 new Steinways, Skinner organ, tech lab, Roland piano lab, and more. Students study with renowned faculty who have dual careers as dedicated educators and professional musicians. Faculty provide private lessons for all music students and are the directors for numerous student ensembles. The School supports a wide variety of performance degrees, including a Bachelor of Music in Performance, as well as a Master of Music in Performance. Graduates pursue successful careers at major institutions and teach music education at home and abroad.