Hartselle Superintendent Dr. Dee Dee Jones has received the Outstanding Administrator award from the Alabama Music Educators Association.  

AMEA executive director Garry Taylor said the award is given annually to an administrator for “outstanding support of music education.”  

The Hartselle High School Symphonic Band performed a concert this past week as a part of the AMEA’s statewide conference, during which Jones was recognized.  

“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award,” Jones said. “I appreciate Mr. Key and all of our music department teachers. I am grateful to work alongside such excellent teachers. Music is an important part of our student’s education.”   

Jones said Hartselle has a long tradition of being “a student-centered school system that prepares students for their futures – artistically, athletically and academically.”  

“The Hartselle High School band program exemplifies this strong heritage in each performance, whether on a marching field, in a concert hall or a jazz concert,” Jones said. “We applaud each student, auxiliary sponsors, Mr. Key, Mr. Nix and Mr. Burttram, as well as dedicated parents who are actively participating in the Band Boosters. Everyone’s hard work, enthusiasm and passion are exhibited. Hartselle’s band program is first-class, and they make our community proud.”  

Band director Randall Key was also presented a plaque in recognition of the band’s performance during the statewide conference.  

The Hartselle High School Symphonic Band was one of two high school bands chosen to perform during the conference, held virtually this year because of COVID-19.  

Taylor said Key also received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association – a commendation band directors receive when their programs are chosen to participate during the annual conference.