Rick Mitchell has dedicated more than 33 years to music education as a teacher, performer, clinician, and advocate for music programs across Nebraska. He began his teaching career in 1993 and has been a member of the Kearney High School music faculty since 2000, where he serves as Instrumental Music Instructor, Music Department Chair, and sponsor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Throughout his career, Rick has also taught at Schuyler Central High School and Elm Creek Public Schools, served as Adjunct Brass Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and helped establish Kearney's first Kindermusik studio, reflecting his belief that quality music education should be accessible at every stage of life.
An active performer, Rick continues to play trumpet in both classical and jazz ensembles. His performance experience includes the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Dobytown Brass Quintet, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, Kearney Municipal Band, and the Flatwater Jazz Orchestra. He is also a respected clinician and adjudicator, regularly working with music programs throughout Nebraska to support students and fellow educators.
Rick's contributions to music education have been recognized with numerous honors, including School Band & Orchestra magazine's prestigious 50 Directors Who Make a Difference award in 2019, the Nebraska Tri-M State Chapter of the Year Award (2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023–24), and the 2024 Outstanding Educator Award from Kearney Public Schools. He is an active member of the National Association for Music Education, Nebraska Music Education Association, Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, Jazz Education Network, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity.
A strong advocate for professional service, Rick has held numerous leadership positions at both the state and local levels. He previously served as Director of Auditions for the Nebraska Music Education Association and currently serves as President-Elect of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. In addition, he is the Music Department Chair at Kearney High School, President of the Kearney Concert Association, and Vice President of the Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity.
Rick earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and his Master of Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging collaboration, and providing practical leadership that strengthens music education for students and directors across Nebraska.
Rick and his wife reside in Kearney, Nebraska, with their beagle, Bella. They are the proud parents of three adult children.
