Rochester Century's Amanda Kaus Selected NFHS Section 5 Outstanding Music Educator

Rochester Century music educator Amanda Kaus believes that music and music education are powerful tools in creating a community and sense of belonging for students. Those forces are crucial instruments that drive her daily in a pursuit of empowering students through the wonderful world of music.

Her servant leadership to both curricular and co-curricular activities and continued contributions to the music education profession were recently recognized when she was selected as the Section 5 recipient of the Outstanding Music Educator Award presented by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Section 5 includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. This past fall, she was also selected as Minnesota’s Outstanding Music Educator Award, a recognition that is also presented by the NFHS.

“From fostering teamwork, to challenging each individual in their growth and development as a musician, to providing an opportunity for self-expression, music education is a powerful force in the lives of students,” Kaus said. “I strive to help students find a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment through creating music with their peers as our success comes from our collective efforts and a willingness to work together.”

Kaus has served as the Director of Bands at Rochester Century High School since 2012. She leads three Concert Bands, the Century Marching Panther Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band and serves as the Music Department chair. She also directs the pit band/orchestra for Rochester Century’s musical productions. Previously, she served as the band director at Willow Creek and Kellogg middle schools in Rochester.

In addition to serving as a music adjudicator and clinician for large group contests and honor bands in Minnesota and Iowa, Kaus is an active leader in professional organizations. Among others, she is a key leader for the Minnesota Music Educators Association and serves on the NFHS Board of Directors, representing Sections 5 and 8. Kaus is the only active educator to ever serve on the NFHS Board of Directors.

Kaus is a current member of the League's Music Advisory Committee and has served on the League's Board of Directors representing the MMEA.

Kaus says there are great rewards in her experiences as a music educator.

“It is rewarding to build relationships with students and be part of their growth as a musician and a young adult,” Kaus said. “The connections that students form within the ensemble help serve their work as musicians and enrich the quality of music we are able to make together.”

As the Section 5 recipient, Kaus is eligible for future recognition by the NFHS for its prestigious Citation Award.