On April 8, 2015, Dana Kettlewell, who will graduate in May with a Master's in Music in Music Education, received the College of Liberal Arts 2014-2015 Excellence in Teaching Award for the graduate teaching assistant category. Kettlewell was nominated for the award by CSU Assistant Professor of Music Education Erik Johnson, followed by an evaluation process where Kettlewell submitted course evaluations from her Teaching Woodwind Methods class, an education philosophy statement, CV, and letters of recommendation from students. “It was such an honor to be nominated by Dr. Johnson,” said Kettlewell, “but reading the letters from my students was incredibly special.”

This year, Kettlewell has served as the assistant program director for the Middle School Outreach Ensemble, a program where, over a period of three months, middle school instrumentalists receive instruction in large ensemble rehearsals and individualized attention in small-group sectionals. The ensemble is instructed by Trying on Teaching master teachers, undergraduate and graduate music education students, and high school students who design, implement, and teach all aspects of the program, culminating in a formal concert for parents, friends, and community members.