Johnston's Kearney Named Iowa Bandmasters President

For the past 12 years, Patrick Kearney has been teaching instrumental music at Johnston schools.

He's enjoyed seeing significant growth in the program and numerous students honored for their talents.

Now, Kearney himself has been recognized for his experience, teaching ability and more when he was inaugurated as the 82nd president of the Iowa Bandmasters Association.

Kearney's priorities for his new post include his experience working in a variety of classroom settings.

“Educators are in the process of aligning their curriculum with Iowa Core, and it’s my goal to make sure music education has a place there, too,” Kearney said, in a school district report. “I would like to work with legislators to make sure the arts and music are part of the Iowa Core movement. Students need to develop those skills and build knowledge, just as they are in math and science.”

Johnston schools are known for their strong music education programs and the district's ability to keep the fine arts programs expanding, Kearney said.

“The music and arts programs in Johnston have a lot of support from parents, the Board of Education, and administration,” Kearney said in the district report. “Johnston has been able to strike a good balance and sharing of students involved with both athletics and activities. We believe it’s important to share involvement and open as many doors for students as possible.”

IBA focuses largely on professional development, a mentor program and publication of news and events. The group also serves as a resource for teaching materials, curriculum and music news.