Washington County schools honor teacher Kirsten Candland for statewide music leadership

The Washington County School District Board of Education recognized music teacher Kirsten Candland at its Jan. 6 meeting for more than 30 years of teaching and service to students across multiple school levels.

Why it matters: Candland’s work — which spans Desert Hills High School, Desert Hills Middle School and Sunrise Ridge Intermediate — includes sustained student success in statewide orchestra competitions, leadership in professional associations and expanded performance opportunities for students across the district.

District remarks and credentials Rob Schmidt, district arts coordinator and identified as president of the Utah Music Educators Association during his remarks, introduced Candland and summarized her accomplishments: more than three decades of teaching; high-school orchestras that regularly qualify for state competitions and receive top marks; four to 12 students qualifying for all-state orchestra in many years; leadership roles including serving as the Utah president of the American String Teachers Association; and local program work with the Zion Youth Symphony, Southern Utah String Festival and other student-centered events.

Candland, who teaches classroom ensembles and morning strings at the intermediate level and also gives private lessons, told the board that the most satisfying part of her work is seeing students “get excited about music and have moments where things just click.” Superintendent Esplin and other speakers praised her reputation and service to students.

Ending: The board’s recognition will be repeated at the district music conference later in the month. The board offered public praise and recorded its appreciation during the meeting.