Colby Community College band instructor Tony Schroer was recently recognized by his peers for his contribution to music education. Schroer received the Outstanding College Music Educator for the Northwest District of the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) Award on Dec. 11 in Hays.

Schroer, who is in his third year at CCC, was recognized during the district high school honor band performance on the Fort Hays State University campus. He was nominated for the honor by CCC vocal music instructor Dr. Phillip Shuman.

A graduate of Colby High School, Schroer attended CCC and continued his education at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education.

He will complete work this summer to receive his master’s degree from Kansas State University.

Prior to accepting the job at CCC, Schroer was the band instructor at Elkhart High School for eight years. He and his wife Tara have two children: 9-year-old Paige and 6-year-old Jade.

Schroer is the director for the CCC Concert Band, Pep Band and Jazz Band. The Pep Band performs at all home basketball games. The Concert and Jazz Bands perform at two concerts in Colby each year. For more information about the CCC program, contact Schroer at (785) 460-5519.