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LUDINGTON — Ludington Area School District Director of Bands Keith Kuczynski has been named the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 1 Teacher of the Year for 2026.
Kuczynski was selected as the district’s nominee for the statewide Teacher of the Year honor for the 2026-27 school year. MSBOA District 1 includes Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Oceana, Osceola and part of Muskegon counties.
Stephanie Purvis, band director for Hesperia Public Schools, praised Kuczynski’s dedication to students and music education in her nomination.
“As a teacher, I have observed that he strives for excellence in all ensembles and has provided a well-rounded program to all ages with camaraderie and musical competition,” Purvis said. “His upbeat personality and energy is a testament to his character and stamina, no matter what life might offer.”
Kuczynski has led the Ludington band program since 2012. During his tenure, the Ludington Jazz Ensemble earned Central Michigan University Most Outstanding Class B Band honors in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The Ludington Wind Symphony has performed at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and at Chicago’s Field Museum in 2014, 2016 and 2023. Both Ludington High School and O.J. DeJonge Middle School bands have consistently received superior ratings under Kuczynski’s leadership.
Kuczynski also performs with the West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble 1 and co-directs Jazz Ensemble 2, which includes high school students, college students and community members. He regularly performs professionally as a saxophonist.
He and his wife, Amanda, have one son, Luke, who attends Ludington Elementary School.
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