LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kevin Callihan has a crescendo of congratulations tied to his career.

The Kentucky Music Educators Association named the Youth Performing Arts School educator High School Music Teacher of the Year

Going on his fourth year with Jefferson County Public Schools, Callihan said he sees it as his mission to be an exceptional role model for his students.

"I think one of the biggest things is that it's a big responsibility," Callihan said. "Everything that we do is so visible, so we want to make sure that we're modeling the musicianship and the behavior and our preparation." 

"We have to trust them to do the things they need to do, that they're going to practice, that they're going to sign up for these things, that they're going to go through ... and then they have to trust us that the decisions that we're making, the music that we're working on, the things that we're asking them to do, are what they need to be doing." 

His passion for music and teaching inspired one of his students to pursue music further.

"He really wants to bring out the music because some directors want you to play the notes on the page," said senior Christian Nolden, who plays the bassoon. "They want you to just sit in your chair, play the music or just play notes and rhythms."

"But under Dr. Callihan, he wants more. He actually brings out the underlying intentions from the composer, and I've never seen a conductor do it the way that he does." 

It's the second straight year a JCPS music teacher has won a statewide award, as a Western Middle School for the Arts educator won the Kentucky Middle School Music Teacher of the Year award last year. 

"Getting the award just feels like a great validation of all the work that everyone's put in, but it takes a village to make those things happen," Callihan said.