Dennis Heidel – Bennion Junior High

Apr 9, 2014, 1:48 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:12 am

I represent my family in nominating Mr. Dennis Heidel, instrumental music teacher at Bennion Junior High school, for consideration as KSL Teacher Feature Award. Fourteen years ago Mr. Heidel left work in the private sector and became a junior high school music teacher where he has influenced the lives of more than 160 students each year. That is approximately 2,240 students whom he has taught to study, love and perform music, and to become better people as they contribute to the world around them. His love for each student emanates from his very being as he goes above and beyond what is asked of him.

Any student who wants to be in one of the bands or orchestras is accepted, encouraged, and taught to be a contributing member of the group. If a student has never played an instrument, Mr. Heidel teaches him/her. With 50 students in the first year Cadet orchestra, that individualization would seem impossible, but not with Mr. Heidel. Because of Mr. Heidel’s personal daily preparation, each student has a copy of the desired music or assignment and is fully involved as a member of the group. He maintains a professional and controlled atmosphere in which each can learn and participate. Mr. Heidel pays particular attention to the needs of each student and deals well with all different levels of skill, challenging the more advanced students while helping the less advanced performers. He uses technology to enhance his teaching. A student can go to the practice room, record his/her performance, listen to it and then practice to improve. Praise is a part of Mr. Heidel’s daily routine, but so is encouragement to do better. The students admire and respect him. While presenting several concerts a year, the students gain confidence and self-mastery.

The Jazz Band includes 46 students as opposed to the standard 18. Anyone who tries out is accepted, no matter what the instrument. Jazz bands don’t ordinarily have violins, violas, cellos, flutes, clarinets or guitars. Allowing unusual instruments like these puts extra work on Mr. Heidel because he has to arrange or secure music for the extra instruments. In this band, Mr. Heidel unpredictably points to a student, either in class or while performing, and he/she stands and performs a short solo. What a challenge! The students accept it and do an excellent job. At regional competition, it is an accepted fact that the Bennion Junior High Jazz Band will receive a superior rating.

I have two grandchildren who have progressed through Mr. Heidel’s music program. The first began playing an instrument in 4th grade. Under Mr. Heidel’s direction, she grew to love playing her saxophone so much that she continued in high school and now plays with the Granite Youth Symphony Orchestra. The second child, who has some physical and social disabilities, has learned to play the clarinet and has stayed in band all three years. He practices, attends class regularly, and has learned to do what, for him, is a hard thing. Band has also been an excellent opportunity for him to be part of a group where he is accepted, loved, and encouraged.

Please consider Mr. Dennis Heidel, instrumental teacher at Bennion Junior High, for selection as the KSL Teacher Feature Award.

–Virginia Talbot

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Dennis Heidel – Bennion Junior High