Impact of a teacher - Keynes Chen takes orchestra to #1

Keynes Chen came to Niwot High School in January of 2019 with 15 students across three different ensembles. By the end of the following school year, he had 85 students across three groups and has since added two more ensembles, with another in development. "That first year really energized me," said Chen.

Niwot now offers three orchestras, a small ensemble, and a mariachi ensemble, and will be looking to add another mariachi group to the list of available courses due to the growing interest and increasing numbers. Without a doubt, Chen has made an large impact on the orchestra department at NHS over the past several years. Student participation and scores at CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) can attest to the talent and dedication demonstrated by Chen and his students.

CHSAA festivals, where music ensembles have the opportunity to showcase their talent and hard work, were put on hold during Covid but returned in 2023. That 2023 festival was the first that Niwot attended since Chen had taken over as Director of Orchestras at Niwot.

NHS Orchestra scored top scores across all categories (tone, rhythm, style, intonation, tempo, phrasing, and stage presence) earning a first-place score in 2023. This year, the NHS Orchestra did it again, scoring the highest possible score and earning first place. "Judges seldom give straight ones (on a 1-5 scale, 1 being highest) and yet we were able to do it two years in a row," Chen said.

Before becoming a public school teacher, Chen was one of the judges at CHSAA festivals and recalls one of the previous directors, Keith Ellison, having a strong program at Niwot. As a judge, Chen could not be a public school teacher and couldn't imagine that happening. "I studied music performance in college," said Chen. "I did not see myself going into the education world."

When asked by NHS principal Eric Rauschkolb to join the team at Niwot and rebuild the orchestra program, Chen did not foresee himself being around for very long. "Just long enough to help ensure the program was strong and healthy," he said. Five years later, Chen does not see himself leaving anytime soon.

"The students have shown me what an impact I've made and the connection I've made with them is really incredible," said Chen, adding that Niwot is a very supportive and welcoming community and his students who have stayed and connected with music are inspiring. He noted that even students who are extremely busy and overbooked work hard to make music work in their schedule and keep music and orchestra a part of their lives.

Chen describes himself as the "black sheep" of teachers at Niwot because he doesn't have a degree in education. Yet some of his students would argue he's one of the best teachers at NHS.

"[Mr. Chen's] willingness to commit to a culture... and create a community that I wanted to join and connect with people similar to me and embrace my culture," was cited by

Yaretzi Martinez, who is currently involved with NHS' Mariachi Esmeralda. Martinez described Chen's impact at NHS, saying, "He is not only a teacher, but a student in his own way as he continues to learn with and for his students about Spanish and Mexican culture."

Chen hopes that students who attended CHSAA and participate in his ensembles are able to realize that music is more than performing for your parents at a concert in an auditorium.

Chen believes music, whether done professionally or not, can take you far in the world with new friends, experiences, and lessons learned, which will always follow you throughout life.