Keynes Chen named NHS Teacher of the Year

Keynes Chen, Niwot High School's orchestra and mariachi director, has been named Niwot High School's Teacher of the Year by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation. His recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with the remarkable growth and success of the school's music program under his leadership.

Since starting at NHS in January 2019, Chen has built the school's orchestral music programs into something extraordinary. What began as a small program has grown into three orchestras, a small ensemble, and a mariachi group.

The orchestra's success speaks for itself. In February, the group traveled to New York City to compete in the Orchestra Cup at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. The Orchestra Cup is known as the premier national high school orchestra championship. The Cougars returned home with a third-place trophy, a major accomplishment for both the program and the students involved.

Closer to home, Niwot's orchestras have impressed at the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Music Festivals. For the past two years, the orchestra earned the highest possible scores across every category, from tone and rhythm to phrasing and stage presence. The 2025 festival will take place in April.

But awards only tell part of the story. Sophomore Aidan Coble said the challenge is part of what makes Chen's classes so meaningful. "Even though he's hard on us sometimes, it's because he knows we can be amazing," Coble said.

That same sense of dedication is something sophomore Ishaan Binoy echoes. "His commitment to the orchestra is well noticed and he carries a lot of the stress that goes through the program," Binoy said. "It would not be nearly as successful and fun as it is now without Mr. Chen."

In addition to his work with the orchestra, Chen leads Niwot's mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Esmeralda, which continues to grow as more students find a home in the program.

Being recognized by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation as Niwot High's Teacher of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of Chen's dedication, his impact, and everything he has built in just a few short years.