Cochrane High School's music instructor has been named the Rocky View Schools' nominee for the 2025 Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
Conner Benson, who is in his first year of teaching at the school, was selected by the RVS board of trustees for his outstanding contributions to the school’s fine arts program and broader community. Benson serves as the school’s music director, leading both instrumental and choral programs, and played a key role in this year’s musical production.
“Conner’s leadership is marked by compassion, engagement, humour and grace,” the division said in a news release. “His welcoming manner creates a safe space for students to pursue their passions, and his expertise has fostered their growth and success.”
Under Benson’s direction, students have earned recognition at various music festivals. His colleagues say he provides honest, constructive feedback that motivates students to strive for improvement, and he has been a strong collaborator within the school’s performing and visual arts team.
A few months ago, Cochrane High School administration told Benson he was being nominated for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. He recently learned he had been selected as Rocky View Schools' official nominee.
“I take a lot of pride in my work, so it was nice to know that I am being valued and noticed,” he said.
Benson, who is a percussionist, earned his music degree from the University of Calgary, then returned after a year off to complete his education degree. He had a practicum at Cochrane High last year under music instructor April Waterbury, who has since moved on. The experience eased the transition between instructors.
As for the future, he has goals for both himself and his students.
“I hope to improve myself and my teaching. I know there are a ton of things this year that I wasn’t happy with that I know I can do better.”
“My hope for the kids is I want them to know that there’s a future in music if they want it. A lot of kids see band as just something fun in high school, and they don’t see a future. I’m trying to encourage them and show them opportunities — like, hey, you can do this for your life if you want to. There are so many options as freelance musicians, educators, performers. If you love music and want to do it for your life, I want them to be aware of all the opportunities.”
Benson recently returned from a memorable trip with Cochrane High School’s symphonic band and choir to California, where students had the opportunity to perform and take part in professional workshops at Disneyland.
“We went out to Disneyland and performed on one of the Disney stages in California Adventure,” said Benson. “It’s an outdoor stage you have to audition for, so I had to send in videos of us playing, along with photos of the band and our concert attire. Our audition was approved, and we got to perform.”
In addition to the performance, the group participated in instrumental and choral workshops held backstage at Disney. As part of the experience, students recorded music that was later synced to scenes from Disney films.
“For example, they played parts of The Lion King, and then synced up our band’s audio with the movie so the kids could watch it back,” he said. “It was a pretty cool experience.”
In total, 66 students and 75 travellers made the trip.
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Rocky View Schools has also thanked and recognized the other first-year teachers whose names were put forward for consideration:
- Aryaana Bhanji – École Edwards Elementary School
- Dania Smith – Cochrane Christian Academy
- Justin Pearce – W.G. Murdoch School
- Marissa Giesinger – R.J. Hawkey Elementary School
- Ruweena Hussain – Northcott Prairie School
The Edwin Parr Teacher Award has recognized outstanding first-year teachers across Alberta annually since 1964. Teachers from ASBA member school boards across the province are nominated each year.
The Zone 5 celebration will take place on May 30. Should Benson be selected as the Zone 5 winner, he will be honoured alongside 10 other teachers at an ASBA meeting this fall.
