It’s just their first year as educators in Highland Park ISD. But Highlander Band director Marc Nichelson and middle school orchestra director Shelby Dickey have already elevated their programs to a new level of excellence.
“I think he’s made a huge difference,” Romi Segal, a junior brass captain in the Highlander Band said of Nichelson. “He does a really good job of motivating everyone and improves morale. The rehearsals he runs have a really good energy and vibe to them, and it makes everyone want to work a lot harder and have more fun.”
Dickey and Nichelson were recognized on Feb. 19 as fine arts teachers of the year by HP Arts, a nonprofit that was created nearly four decades ago to support arts education in HPISD schools. Dickey won the award for K-8 students, and Nichelson for high school. Both teachers were selected based on a community vote.
Dickey has raised performance standards at McCulloch Intermediate School/Highland Park Middle School, as well as strengthened students’ sense of community and pride in their program. Under her leadership, a record-breaking 28 students earned All-Region honors.
Dickey has also created new performance opportunities for students. The Raider orchestra partnered with the Highlander orchestra at its winter concert and will perform at this year’s HP CultureFest for the first time, Segal and Highlander Band drum major Kaden Rice said during the awards presentation.
“Families describe Mrs. Dickey as inspiring, knowledgeable, energetic, and deeply caring,” the students continued. “They praise her ability to balance high standards with warmth and encouragement. Parents share that she has made strings cool.”
In Nichelson’s first year as the high school’s band director, he has piloted the Fill the Trailer Initiative, which challenges band families and community members to fill the band trailer with donations for Interfaith Family Services. Nichelson’s leadership has renewed the band’s proud tradition of excellence and inspired every student to do their best work each day, Segal and Rice said.
“Mr. Nichelson goes above and beyond for his students. He encourages them to become better musicians, scholars, and people,” Rice said. “Families have described Mr. Nichelson as a gift to the program, a fabulous mentor for the students, enthusiastic and caring, and a phenomenal inspiration for our students.”
Elaine Barden, who has spent more than a decade championing the arts in HPISD, was recognized as this year’s Arts Advocate.
Barden served as a band booster officer for many years and twice as the organization’s president. She has also been a member of the band’s Blue Crew, a job that requires loading equipment, props, and instruments. She has compiled invaluable records and statistics for the band, and has served as an officer and president of HP Arts.
“You fought for our arts. You have fought for our band program,” HP Arts president Deirdre Deignan said. “And we are so grateful for you.”
After the awards ceremony, Deignan described the evening as an opportunity to reflect on the life-changing impact of arts educators, who work tirelessly on behalf of students and their families.
“HPISD produces first in state winners year after year in the fine arts, and it is important that these teachers are given the recognition that they deserve,” she said. “Their dedication and impact are powerful.”
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