Rehm to receive IGSMA Young Conductor Award

It is the first time that a SHSD161 director has received the award

Congratulations to Summit Hill Junior High Music Teacher Eric Rehm on being selected to receive the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s 2023 Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award. It is the first time that a Summit Hill School District 161 director has received the award.  

Rehm, a former SHSD161 student who just completed his first year of teaching in the district, is also the sponsor for the SHJH Choir and Drama Club. He has also served as music director to several theaters in the Chicagoland area, ranging from public school to semi-professional companies.  

“As a new staff member, Eric had no difficulties transitioning to SHJH and ultimately making our students his number one priority this year,” said SHJH Principal Laura Goebel. “Between his normal daily teaching responsibilities, drama performances, choral concerts and events, and practices – you name it, he did it, and ALWAYS without hesitation and with positivity. Eric is very well-deserving of this honorable recognition!”  

“Eric was made for this position,” said SHJH Band Director Kim Coughlin, who nominated him for the award. “Eric has a way with kids this age. He shows them he cares about them as individuals, sets expectations that he helps them realize, and encourages them to reach beyond what they thought they could achieve. He is a positive force of nature and I look forward to seeing all he will do for our students and music program.”  

“As his former teacher, I am incredibly proud of him and our district is truly lucky to have him,” added Coughlin.  

“It is sometimes surreal to think that I’m working at Summit Hill Junior High,” said Rehm, a 2006 graduate. “I have a lot of fond memories of being a student here, especially in the music department with Kim Coughlin. It was within the walls of her band room that I realized my calling was to be a music teacher.”  

“My years at Summit Hill truly shaped me into the person, musician, and educator I am today,” added Rehm, who also attended Frankfort Square and Dr. Julian Rogus schools. “It’s a blessing to be able to give back to the community I grew up in, and I hope to inspire and guide my students just as much as I was.”  

Rehm, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Illinois State University, will be recognized at the 86th annual IGSMA State Meeting in September.  

The Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award is given to a person who has demonstrated the following: a director with a minimum of five years of experience teaching music and a maximum of 10 years; the majority of teaching must be in the State of Illinois; a director who is actively involved in IGSMA events and shows growth as a music educator; a director whose students consistently excel in IGSMA events; and a well-rounded person who belongs to professional organizations and is respected by their peers.  

Barbara Buehlman was an exemplary music educator and administrator, and her band arrangements and method books are widely acclaimed. She served as the IGSMA Executive Secretary-Treasurer from 1973 to 1997.