Brian Nelsen, a UNO School of Music Graduate of 2018, is the recipient of the 2020 NMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year Award.

Brian teaches in the Elkhorn Public Schools District, where he previously taught at Elkhorn High School for two years (2018-2020) and is currently the Band Director at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School. Brian constantly strives to build strong connections with his students, colleagues, and school community. When asked “why Mr. Nelsen should receive this award”, one former student said “I knew I was being taught by an amazing and talented musician.”

Beyond teaching, Brian expresses other musical talents as a composer, arranger, conductor, and freelance trumpet performer. Brian sends his sincere appreciation and thanks to his previous teachers who shaped him into the educator he is today. He would also like to thank all of the students and colleagues who nominated him for this distinguished award.