Hall of Fame

Induction into the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award bestowed to NMEA members. Nominee criteria is as follows:

  • Must be or have been a member of the Nebraska Music Education Association and NAfME (formerly MENC) throughout all or a greater portion of their career.
  • Must have been/be an elementary, middle school, high school, or college educator.
  • Must have shown visible support of NMEA by participating in the NMEA Conference in one or more of the following ways; students in performance ensembles, clinician, conductor of a performing group, providing a demonstration group, etc. 
  • Must have served NMEA as an officer, committee member, working in a mentoring program or in some capacity for NMEA that is above and beyond.
  • Must have contributed to the overall success of music education in Nebraska by being involved outside their own program.

The window for nominations has now closed. The Past President's Council will review the submitted nominees and select who will be inducted in 2023. All nominees and nominators will be notified of their decision in the fall.

The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee

REX BARKER - MILLARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS, RETIRED

NMEA is proud to announce the induction of Rex Barker as the 115th member of the NMEA Hall of Fame.

Rex Barker was the Band Director at Northwest High School in Grand Island from 1982-1988. He then moved to Millard South High School where he was the Band Director and Music Department Head. In 2001 he became the Instrumental Music Department Head for Millard Public Schools and served in that role until 2015. Most recently, he was the Director of Performing Arts at Midland University. Rex has been an active member of NMEA and served as President from 2008-2009. After he finished his original term as President, Rex stepped in to serve as President again from 2010-2011 when one of the presidents left the board. Rex Barker has been a role model for young directors for years and a positive influence on directors throughout the state as well as his students, school, and community.

Rex Barker Induction Video

PAST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

View a list of our past Hall of Fame Inductees