Karlie Sines is in her fifth year as the Director of Vocal and Instrumental Music at Holdrege Middle School, where she teaches 5th–6th Grade General Music, 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade Band, the 7–8 Concert Band, the Jr. Duster Marching Band, the 7–8 Concert Choir, and the Dusted Royalty Show Choir. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education in 2021 and her Master of Music Education in 2024, both from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Karlie grew up in Cambridge, Nebraska, where she served as drum major and played multiple instruments in her high school band. At UNL, she performed in anumber of ensembles, which included playing alto saxophone with the “Pride of All Nebraska” Cornhusker Marching Band. She continued her involvement by playing within UNL’s “Big Red Express” pep band post-graduation, performing chamber music for local churches, helping to revive the Phelps-County Community Choir, and assisting with the annual American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Boys’ and Girls’ State High School Concert Band.
During her tenure at Holdrege, Karlie’s ensembles have consistently earned Superior ratings and first-place awards at parades and adjudications across Nebraska and Kansas. In 2024, the 7–8 Concert Band and 7–8 Concert Choir competed at the 40th Annual Music in the Parks Festival in Kansas City, where they each earned first place in their divisions. The ensembles were also honored with the Esprit de Corps Award, recognizing professionalism and superior musicianship. Many of her students also participate in state-level honor bands and selective ensembles, reflecting their strong musical foundation and commitment.
Karlie has received significant recognition for her work, including being named the Nebraska Choral Directors Association’s 2025 Outstanding Young Choral Director of the Year and one of 200 national quarter-finalists for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award. She has served as a staff member with the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music since 2022 and has been invited to be the clinician and director for high school vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Fort Kearney Conference and the Republic Plains Activities Conference ensembles. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska–Kearney, serving as Director of Nebraskats Show Choir, and, in addition to being the Middle Level Chair for NSBA, Karlie is also on the Board of Directors for Nebraska Festival Singers.
She is an active member of many professional organizations, including the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Nebraska State Bandmasters Association (NSBA), Nebraska Choral Directors Association (NCDA), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Band Association (NBA), and Women Band Directors International (WBDI). Karlie values collaboration and networking with colleagues across state and national organizations.
Outside of music, Karlie is a volleyball official for regional colleges and the Nebraska Schools Activities Association, where she has officiated at the state high school volleyball tournament annually since 2021. In her free time, she enjoys running, swimming, traveling, and reading. Karlie recently became engaged and looks forward to marrying her fiancé, Trevor, in October 2025.
