(Jill Noerenberg, band director for Duxbury schools, observes as sophomore Christian Dow tutors seventh grader Michael in the baritone as part of a program she helped create within the Duxbury music department.)

For Jill Noerenberg, working in a community that prizes music education, where her students excel to the point that they are nationally recognized and often play Carnegie Hall, and where the kids consider her insightful, is a dream come true. But to then be awarded the state’s highest prize for excellence in music education by her peers is in her words, “pretty cool.” On March 2, Noerenberg, band director for the Duxbury schools’ music program, will be given the Lowell Mason Award by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association at their annual convention in Boston. It’s given annually to an individual with at least 15 years teaching experience and is considered a leader in the field. For the Duxbury Music Program, this is its third such award. Her husband Ric Madru, head of Duxbury’s music department, won in 2007.

While Noerenberg said it’s an honor to be recognized by her peers, it was the recognition of her colleague Joe Pondaco that touched her even more.

“It was a surprise,” said Noerenberg. “The neatest part is that Joe nominated me – and that the state board recognized it is pretty cool.”

Noerenberg won’t talk much about herself or her work that led to the prestigious award. She doesn’t have to: a wall of trophies line one side of the band room, though Madru said they stopped displaying subsequent trophies because they don’t want the students to think music is about competition. Instead, she talks about her students and their accomplishments, and the lessons she hopes they take away from their time in Duxbury.

“Our philosophy is we want kids to have a love of music and have that the rest of their lives,” said Noerenberg. “We’re lucky to have a supportive town and that we can play hard literature and play it well. Our advanced ensembles play college-level literature. We’ve got a lot of great players.”

Part of that is the result of a program Noerenberg, Madru and the rest of the music department have grown over the years. They teach throughout the school system, and claim 90 percent of all fifth graders join music. Part of the reason for that is they have created a curriculum where older students tutor younger kids, making it a community endeavor.

“When I got here, we had a 70 member band and 20 strings,” said Madru. “When we brought Jill on, we separated those who are most serious from those who do it for fun and that’s when it took off. We talk a lot about commitment, not talent.”

But there is talent, a great deal of it, and that talent comes in the form of teachers and students – many of whom feel that commitment from Noerenberg, too.

Nearly every day after school, students fill the band room, the surrounding halls and doorways, and the nearby cafeteria to practice their music and to teach one another the lessons Noerenberg and her colleagues have taught them.

Practicing clarinet in a darkened doorway just off the band room, sophomore Alexis Antonio teaches six grader Kelly McCarthy how to better hold her instrument. Both have benefited from Noerenberg’s guidance.

“She’s very insightful and helpful,” said Antonio. “She helps us learn new pieces because she plays clarinet.”

McCarthy agreed. “It’s hands on learning,” she said. “If you don’t understand or if you’re not the best clarinet player, she’ll take the time to show you the notes.”

Duxbury High School Principal Andrew Stephens said he feels fortunate to have Noerenberg and her colleagues on staff, not only because of their accomplishments but because of who they are as teachers.

“I think she’s awesome,” said Stephens. “She’s the real deal. She’s a concert trained clarinet player who’s on point with her critique without costing the kids their dignity… I’m raving about her because she’s great. You don’t get an award like that by accident.”

For Noerenberg, success isn’t about an award or even about her – it’s about her students.

“We’re in a community where people want their kids to be part of something great,” she said.

According to those who know her best, Noerenberg is a big part of that greatness.