Linke awarded Young Band Director Award

A year after nominating his wife Audrey for the Southwest Iowa Bandmasters Association’s Young Band Director Award, Ryan Linke was awarded the honor himself.

Every year, the Young Band Director Award is given to one band director in Southwest Iowa in their third to 10th year of teaching. Established in 2009, the award was made to encourage and motivate young band directors to continue their work with the next generation of musicians.

Band directors are nominated by their peers, which Ryan said is what makes winning this award so special.

“It’s a real honor because it’s awesome that you’re nominated by your peers and by other people that are doing the same thing,” Ryan said. “I know that band and just music in general and the fine arts can be kind of a niche thing, so it’s kind of cool that people who do that same stuff see what you’re doing and kind of acknowledge that.”

Band directors are judged on a variety of points, including their interest in the total band program, how their teaching has impacted their students, how they work to develop and sustain growth in the band program and their motivation towards professional growth and development.

Creston Middle School Principal Lesa Downing said both the Ryan and Audrey exceeded award standards.

“What I like about both of them is their kids know that they care about them and that they would do anything to support them,” Downing said. “I just feel like they do such a great job of building relationships with kids and they care, but they also do a nice job of motivating kids, motivating them to want to do their very best.”

Ryan said this relationships with the students is his favorite part of the job.

“They make every day fun, whether I’m having a bad day or something, they’re going to help make that better,” Ryan said. “Just being able to spend time with the next generation and help them through whatever they’re doing, and vice versa because they help us as well.”

Ryan’s music journey began early on. He joined band in sixth grade, later attending Northwest Missouri State University’s summer music camp. Ryan explained this is where he found his calling.

“I remember getting done with that ... I got in the car and told my mom, I think I want to be a band teacher and go to Northwest,” Ryan said. “It was just kind of, I knew at that young age, and thought it was a lot of fun. I can say, eight years into the profession, I wasn’t wrong.”

Ryan graduated from Clarinda High School in 2009 and followed his childhood dream of attending Northwest’s music program. In 2016, he started at Creston with Audrey.

While both Ryan and Audrey won the Young Band Director Award separately, they’re at their best when they work together.

“We kind of get to work together and fill each other’s strengths and weaknesses. She’s a woodwind player and I’m a brass player,” Ryan said. “Wherever my deficiencies may be, those just happen to be her strengths and vice versa. It’s a great team setting.”

Downing agreed, explaining the Linkes compliment each other in all aspects of teaching.

“They’re just a package deal, they compliment each other so well. We’re fortunate to have them here in the district,” Downing said. “They make [students] love it and motivate them to want to do the best they can do. I call them the dynamic duo. They’re just a great combination. Our kids are lucky to have them.”