A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Matthew Nevers has been the Mineral Point Unified School District Band Director in Wisconsin for 21 years. His students consistently receive first ratings at WSMA District and State Solo/Ensemble Competitions, including one Exemplary Performance Award winner and numerous nominations at the state level. Eleven of his students have been selected for the Wisconsin Middle Level State Honors Project, and Nine of his students have been selected for the Wisconsin High School State Honors Project. Mineral Point High School Concert Bands earned consistent 1st-place ratings in Class A and B at Large Group Festivals with the Middle School Concert Bands earned consistent 1st-place ratings in Class C at Large Group Festivals. The High School Concert Bands has been selected to perform at Walt Disney World three times.
Matthew received his Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and his Masters of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. He is the Organizer and Conductor of the Mineral Point City Band, Secretary for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity, Executive Board Member & Student Exchange Coordinator for the Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society, and President/Secretary of the SWAL Conference Music Directors.
- 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.
When asked what factors do you consider most important in shaping your career, Matthew states, “Getting involved in performing, connecting with people, and learning from the masters of our profession: By performing under and observing a wide variety of conductors—from orchestras and concert bands to jazz ensembles and pit orchestras—I’ve gained valuable insight into many different conducting and teaching styles. I study both the strengths and shortcomings I see, adapting techniques to align with my own teaching approach while consciously avoiding those that do not. This process has shaped a style all my own that is authentic, intentional, and continually evolving.
Stepping outside your comfort zone: As someone who is naturally reserved and prefers to avoid the spotlight, stepping outside of my comfort zone has often been a challenge. A pivotal moment came when I participated in a conducting workshop with H. Robert Reynolds and the Wisconsin 132 Army Band. Although it was one of the most intimidating experiences of my career, by the end, he told me that in all his years of leading workshops, my conducting had shown the greatest improvement. I took that as a tremendous compliment, and it significantly strengthened my confidence as a conductor and educator. Having a positive attitude: A positive attitude is one of the most powerful tools an educator can bring to the classroom. When teachers approach each rehearsal with enthusiasm and optimism, they set the tone for students to feel supported, motivated, and willing to take risks. This mindset not only fosters a respectful and encouraging learning environment but also inspires students to mirror that positivity in their own work and interactions.”
His professional philosophy is, “I believe students learn music most deeply when they understand the stories, history, and emotions that shape each piece of music. Using the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance method, I guide students to move beyond the notes and connect their own life experiences with the expressive intentions of the composer. Exposure to live and recorded professional performances further develops their sense of tone, balance, and intonation, while inspiring them to strive for excellence in their own playing. My philosophy is to cultivate independent, confident musicians who carry a lifelong love of music and the ability to contribute meaningfully to musical communities beyond the classroom.”
