Portales, NM – July 17, 2025 – The New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA) announced that ENMU Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Dustin Seifert, has been named to the NMMEA Hall of Fame class of 2026.
"I wish to extend sincerest thanks to the Music Educators of the Southeast New Mexico Music Educators Association for their nomination. I'm so impressed by the wonderful work they all do in our public schools. I am very grateful to the members of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Music Educators Association for their support of my nomination," said Dustin Seifert. "Serving the music students and educators of New Mexico has been one of the true joys of my life. I'm so proud of our incredible ENMU music students and army of supportive and generous alumni. They will continue to contribute mightily to the cultural fabric of our region and state. Go Hounds!"
Seifert has been the Director of Bands at Eastern New Mexico University since 2000. During his time at ENMU, he has conducted the ENMU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Greyhound Sound Marching Band, while also teaching applied euphonium and tuba.
Bands at ENMU under Seifert's direction have performed in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, in 2009, 2015, and 2019, and in Oxford and Bath, England, in 2004. The ENMU Greyhound Sound also won the inaugural Metallica's "For Whom the Band Tolls" contest in 2024, leading to $40,000 being awarded to the band.
Widely honored as a music educator and conductor, Seifert was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 2022. He also received the "Spirit of Eastern Award" in 2004 and was the 2005 recipient of ENMU's Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has also been recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in Music Education by the University of Akron School of Music and as Music Educator of the Year by the NMMEA.
Seifert was also appointed to the New Mexico Music Commission in August of 2020 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. He currently serves as Southwest Division Chair for the National Band Association, Executive Secretary for the Southeast New Mexico Music Educators Association, and served as Music Director of the Clovis (NM) Community Band for eight seasons. He is also a past president of the NMMEA.
Seifert is an active clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the region, state, and nation. He has conducted honor bands in Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.
"On behalf of ENMU, we congratulate Dustin on this honor," said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. "It is a well-deserved recognition for all he has done for music and music education in our region and beyond."
Seifert will be officially recognized at the NMMEA All-State Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the University of New Mexico. For more information, please visit https://www.nmmea.com.
