Jim Kovach, Wenatchee High School band teacher of 14 years, was inducted into the Washington Music Association Hall of Fame at a conference in Yakima on Feb 15.

“I felt pretty humbled [that I was inducted] because of the other people who have received it in the past,” Kovach said.

According to the WMEA website, 10 members are inducted every two years “for exceptional support, inspiration and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of music education, both public and private.”

Kovach was a band teacher at Edmunds High School for 15 years before moving to Wenatchee and continuing his career at WHS. Many of his students agree that he deserved the prestigious award because of his devotion to making the Wenatchee High School band the best it can be.

“I was his teacher’s assistant last semester,” said Cierra Wright, 10. “He makes class fun because he’s really sarcastic and he jokes with us. He’s just really dedicated. He puts a lot of time into the band; his attention to detail and discipline are what really makes us a good band.”

Senior Josh Willey, who has played trumpet in the marching band for all four years of high school, agrees that Kovach is a hard worker and a dedicated teacher.

“He’s an outstanding man. He’s very peculiar and has an interesting way of going about things, but he always gets the job done,” Willey said. “He’s very assertive and he demands respect. Although he manages to frustrate some people, people respect him. He has a different way of doing things, and although he may get very authoritative, he produces results.”