Chelsea Teacher Named Orchestra Teacher of the Year

Described as representing everything you hope for in an educator and music director, Chelsea’s Nathan Peters has been honored as the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District 12 Orchestra Teacher of the Year.

This past week it was announced that Peters was recognized with this honor. In 2017, he was also selected for the same honor. Peters is the orchestra director/teacher at Chelsea High School and Beach Middle School.

Chelsea School District Superintendent Mike Kapolka said, “Nathan Peters represents everything you hope for in an educator and music director. His dedication to K through 12 music education, love for music, and commitment to students is evident in every performance, rehearsal, and interaction he has throughout the school year. Beyond his talent as a musician and educator, Nathan has a unique ability to bring out the very best in his students, both individually and collectively, while helping foster confidence, creativity, and pride through music. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we are fortunate to have Nathan leading and inspiring students within the Chelsea School District every single day.”

The award honors one orchestra director for their “unwavering commitment to music education both in their community and throughout the state.”

The MSBOA said, “Selection for this award speaks to Nathan’s dedication to quality pedagogy and commitment to inspire all of his students.”

The MSBOA is the organizing body for over 1,200 school music programs in Michigan. Recipients of this award are nominated by their peers, and then chosen by a vote of MSBOA members across the state.

Peters has been teaching in Chelsea for 27 years and has been teaching violin and viola in his studio for 35 years. He has degrees from the University of Michigan in violin performance and viola performance. He performs professionally on violin and viola with the Chelsea Chamber Players and the Ann Arbor Symphony.