A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Katheryn Fenske is Director of Bands, DuBray Middle School and Woodwind Specialist for grades 9-12 at Fort Zumwalt East High School in St. Peters, Missouri. She has held these posts for the last eight years. Before joining the staff at DuBray, she was Instrumental and Vocal Music Teacher for grades 9-12 at Barat Academy and Music Teacher for grades PreK-8 at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf, both in Chesterfield, Missouri. She has also taught in Illinois and Wisconsin throughout her 37 years of teaching.
Fenske’s ensembles have earned many awards, including 2017 – 2024 Fort Zumwalt District Band Festival – “Exemplary” rating each year, and 2014 – 2016 St. Louis Diocesan High School Band Festival – First Place rating each year. Katheryn was selected educator of the year in 2020 from DuBray Middle School and Midrivers News Magazine. In 2022 she received Outstanding Music Educator, Missouri Music Educators St. Louis Metro District 8.
Throughout her career, Katheryn has served as Missouri Music Educators Association, Metro District 8 President, American School Band Directors Association- Missouri and Wisconsin State Chairs, Missouri Music Educators Association, Metro District 8 Middle and High School Band Vice President and Illinois Music Educators Association, District 8 Band Chair. In 2023, she was Wisconsin Concert Band Association All-State Band Conductor.
- The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to honor, over the course of a year, eight of the finest band directors in our business.
- Recipients have taught for at least fifteen years, have maintained a very high-quality concert band program, and have contributed significantly to the profession through dedication to bands and band music.
- Each is honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
- Chairman of the Legion of Honor Committee is Terry Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Katheryn received her Bachelor of Arts from Lutheran College and her Master of Music from Northwestern University.
When asked what factors do you consider most important in shaping your career, Katheryn states, “My journey in music has been profoundly shaped by incredible mentors. From an early age, my parents filled our home with a rich variety of music, teaching me to listen deeply and feel profoundly. My elementary music teachers introduced me to the foundational elements of music theory, igniting my passion for creation and performance.
Throughout my instrumental education, from 5th grade through graduate school, my band directors, private instructors, and dedicated educators motivated me to work hard while nurturing my love for teaching, performing, and composition. Each interaction with colleagues, students, and families continues to refine my abilities as a musician and educator and shape me as a thoughtful individual.
I am truly grateful for this remarkable journey and the caring community that has supported me along the way.”
Her professional philosophy statement is, “I believe music is an essential part of being human, and I strive to instill its joy in every student I encounter. I work to build strong relationships with each student, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop a lifelong love of music, regardless of their ability.
Each day, I aim to inspire my students to work hard and pursue excellence in both their musicianship and their character. I create a safe, supportive environment where they feel free to be themselves, make mistakes, and take risks. I value each student as a unique individual and help them recognize their worth and contributions. Music, to me, is a gift meant for sharing, and I encourage my students to value themselves and the gifts they have to offer.
I emphasize that little things matter—whether it’s a musical detail or a small act of kindness. My students come to understand the importance of grit, kindness, and perseverance, and they celebrate the power they have to make a difference. They embrace the world’s beautiful diversity, learning to appreciate and celebrate it through the eyes of others.”
