Music Educators Association Honors SMSD Teachers

The East Central Kansas Music Educators Association is recognizing two Shawnee Mission music teachers for their excellence in the classroom. 

Penny Snead, Shawnee Mission Northwest band director, has been selected as the East Central Kansas Music Educators Association (ECKMEA) High School Band Director of the Year for 2020-2021. Jonathan Wiebe, Shawnee Mission South orchestra director, has been selected as the ECKMEA High School Orchestra Director of the Year. 

ECKMEA describes the award winners as ‘standing tall among the ranks of the finest music educators.’  Each award winner is nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional teaching and support of music students.

Penny Snead

Snead has served as band director at SM Northwest for 21 years and has been teaching for 40 years. Bill Thomas, SMSD performing arts coordinator, describes Snead as someone who “models excellence in her classroom every day.”

 “Her high standards create an atmosphere where students do not want to let her down,”  Thomas continued. “Her incredible work ethic and drive to excellence creates a positive impact throughout the entire Northwest community.” 

Jonathan Wiebe

Wiebe has been the orchestra director since 2009 at SM South, teaching strings at all grade levels in the South area, including Indian Woods Middle School for five years. 

 “Sharing his passion, Wiebe seeks to serve all students, as well as other programs throughout the school while enhancing the overall culture of our school,” Dr. Todd Dain, SM South principal shared. 

ECKMEA winners and awards will be presented during the KMEA virtual in-service workshop in late February. 

Photo of Jonathan Wiebe by Chloe Cox, SM South Photojournalist