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Mrs. Heather Nieto is in her 7th year of teaching at Belzer Middle School. Heather was born in Swayzee, Indiana and attended school in the Oak Hill School Corporation. She attended Butler University starting in 1998 and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 2002. While attending Butler University Heather was an active participant with the JCFA Composers Orchestra and MENC. Heather toured Mexico with the New Millenium Philharmonic Orchestra which premeired works by world renowned composer Arturo Rodriguez. Heather was also responsible for starting a beginning strings program with the International School of Indianapolis in conjunction with Butler University. In addition to the regular course requirements, Heather studied Bass privately for one semester with world renowned Bassist David Murray. She also studied with international conductor and artist in residence Stanley De Rusha privately for one semester. Heather continues to further her education. During 2006-2007 she took an ESL for Educators course through IUPUI and became an Indiana Certified Mentor by completing the Mentor program through Butler University.
Since starting her career at Belzer Middle School Heather has played a major role in making orchestra accessible for all students. Three years ago Heather implimented a School Instrument Rental Program available to students wanting to participate in orchestra but could not afford it. Today there are more than 20 students who have been able to take advantage of this affordable program who otherwise would not have been able to participate. Heather has also been responsible for creating multiple performance opportunities for students. She is a co-founder of the Lawrence Township Orchestra which has toured in Italy and attended the Magic Music Days Performance and Workshop at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
To keep up her performance skills Heather is contracted to perform with the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra and frequently subs for the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. She also performs regularly when called upon.
Heather is an active member of MENC, IMEA and ASTA. In 2007 she presented a session called " Effective Rehearsal Techniques for Beginning Teachers" at the Indiana Music Educators Association Convention. Students from that current 8th grade orchestra performed and were used as a sample group for the presentation.
Heather has been honored during her years of teaching. She was named in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 by student recommendation only. She was also recognized as an "Honored Educator" through the Academic Excellence Recognition Program which is by top 30 student recommendation.
Heather currently resides in Fishers, Indiana with her husband Victor and two dogs Clio and Neeners.