The story of R.J. Metteer can best be told by the hundreds of people he has influenced, supported and encouraged during his time at Southeast High School.
The Nebraska State Bandmasters Association (NSBA) paid tribute to Metteer for his three decades of teaching service this winter with the Donald A. Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award. The Lentz Award is the NSBA’s top honor and is given to only one person each year. It recognizes recipients for a lifetime of going above and beyond in their band classrooms.
More than 100 parents, co-workers, fellow band directors, current and former students and current and former administrators watched Metteer accept the award.
NSBA President Matt Rom and NSBA Marching Chair Marques Eckhoff said they were impressed with the number of well-wishers at the ceremony.
“I think it really goes to show how as band directors, like most teachers, we have the ability to positively influence lives and create lasting cherished memories for so many students, usually much more than we realize,” Rom said.
“Seeing the overwhelming support for R.J. during his award ceremony was incredibly heartwarming and a testament to his impact on the community,” Eckhoff said.
LPS Supervisor of Music Amy Holloman was among the crowd of people cheering for Metteer.
“Hearing some of the nomination letters read aloud filled my heart with joy and made me proud to work with such a great educator,” Holloman said.
Northern State University President Neal Schnoor was one of the primary nominators for the award. Schnoor said Metteer “may be without parallel in terms of mentoring the next generation of music teachers and musicians” in Nebraska. More than 30 Southeast alumni and student teachers are now leading their own school music programs.
“R.J.’s impact is simply immeasurable considering that each of these individuals will influence thousands of students and audience members throughout their careers,” Schnoor said.
Metteer began working at Southeast in August 1995 and soon developed high-quality music programs. He has led concert, symphonic, jazz, marching and pep bands and wind and chamber ensembles at the school, and the Knights have been a consistent force at district, state and national levels.
Rita Bennett has volunteered at the NSBA State Marching Band Contest and Capitol City Marching Band Championships for nearly 20 years.
“In working closely with R.J. all these years, I can attest he is the most humble person I know, never wanting the limelight for himself, but continually making decisions about what is best for his students,” Bennett said.
Southeast alumni Andrea Coleman and Amber Rothchild are examples of this learning-based legacy. Coleman joined Southeast’s music program in 1996 and has been a full-time chorister with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City for the past 11 years.
Rothchild played with the Marching Knights from 2008-12 and became inspired to follow Metteer’s path into the educational field. She now teaches math at Southeast.
“What stands out most is Mr. Metteer’s genuine care for each student,” Rothchild said. “He takes the time to understand individual strengths and challenges, offering support and encouragement that extends beyond the music room.”
Glenn Nierman is past president of the National Association for Music Education and former associate director of the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His son attended Southeast and was involved in a serious car accident during his junior year. Metteer came to the hospital to offer support.
“Shortly after we arrived to check on his condition, there was R.J. to offer help and encouragement,” Nierman said. “He got up in the middle of the night to come and be with us. This kindness will never be forgotten.”
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