Accolades
Alumni
His induction will be part of the KMEA State Convention Feb. 23-25 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita.
According to the KMEA, the award recognizes the outstanding achievements for exceptional contributions to the children and youth of Kansas. The annual award honors musicianship of the highest order and recognizes exemplary musical and teaching accomplishments.
“Anyone that has had the honor of studying under Dr. Fuchs or worked with him understand how deserving he is of this award,” said alumnus and music educator AJ Beu ('12, ‘15), DMA, who with Jennifer Whyte (‘16) led the nomination process. They sought letters from former students, colleagues, and others who knew of his impact.
“Each of the nomination letters spoke of his humanity, passion, unmatched skill, the lengths he would go to help students succeed, and how he inspired, and continues to inspire, us to be the best we can be, always putting students first, and there is no option other than moving forward,” Beu said.
Fuchs, who has spent his lifetime making, teaching, and directing music, was diagnosed last year with ALS and stepped down as the conductor for Four State Symphonic Winds and as Honors College Director.
He was the director of bands for the PSU Music Department and conducted the PSU Wind Ensemble for many years. He has been in high demand as a conductor and clinician for regional and district honor bands, as an adjudicator in the marching band arena each fall, and with international ensembles in England, France, The Netherlands, Paraguay, and Brazil.
He continues to teach online courses.
One of his nominators wrote:
“... He developed within students the connection to music and to our humanity and our passion for communal interaction and fellowship. I think it’s one of the greatest things that we as educators can hope to do with our time and in our profession.”
Fuchs said he was deeply humbled and honored by the award.
“Having been in Kansas for over 30 years and seeing the past inductees and knowing many of them, it is an amazing honor to be considered worthy of the award,” he said. “Having been nominated and supported by so many of my former students is truly humbling and meaningful to me.”
“As teachers, we just get up and do what we do, never really knowing the impact we may be having on our students,” he said. “The fact that my former students made this happen is so very touching and I am extremely proud to receive recognition for my work in the profession.”
