Pikeville, KY. — Michael Phillips, Ph.D., director of bands at the University of Pikeville, recently received the Kentucky Music Educator Association (KMEA) College/University “Teacher of the Year” award for District 9. Music educators nominate and vote on recipients of the award, which recognizes significant contributions to music education. Some of Phillips’ accomplishments at UPIKE since his arrival in 2018 include establishing the Wind Band as the nucleus of the future band program at the university. He has also developed the UPIKE Rocks/BB Jam Band, Mighty Five Drum Vibe & Drum Line, and UPIKE Jazz programs. Each includes UPIKE students, faculty and staff, community members, and interested high school students. With the support of university leadership, Phillips continues to roll out his vision for UPIKE Bands. Part of the vision includes assembling the university’s first-ever marching band, which is planned to make its historic first step in the fall of 2019.