Chris Hahn, Headmaster of Prince of Peace Christian School,Honored with the 2015 Distinguished Administrator Award by theTexas Private School Music Educators Association
By: Valerie Gabriel-Swenson
Chris Hahn, the Headmaster of Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center (POPCS), has been awarded the 2015 Distinguished Administrator Award from the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) recognizing exemplary private school leaders in Texas.
Each year, TPSMEA enables its members to nominate a school leader—be it a Principal, Headmaster, or President—who has shown outstanding leadership in promoting and enhancing music education programs. This excellence in music education should also reflect a broader commitment to the arts. Nominees need to demonstrate exceptional capability in advocating for the arts, which can include their personal beliefs, program enhancements, sensitivity to spatial and scheduling logistics, encouragement of faculty development, and initiatives to secure financial backing.
Hahn’s nomination came from David Lang, the band director at POPCS, who emphasized the invaluable role of administrative support in cultivating thriving music programs. “Mr. Hahn has been instrumental in the growth of our Fine Arts Department at Prince of Peace Christian,” remarked Band Director David Lang. “He understands the significance of the arts in education and has championed our initiatives in band, theater, choir, and visual arts. His enthusiasm has allowed our programs to flourish and succeed.”
Under Hahn’s leadership, the Fine Arts Center debuted in 2010. This 35,000 square-foot facility boasts a 500-seat theater, band hall, private rehearsal spaces, dressing and makeup rooms, a music and choral room, an art studio, and an exhibition gallery. Additionally, the music programs expanded in the fall of 2014 with the incorporation of The Arts School, which offers after-school private music lessons to around 150 students in instruments such as violin, piano, guitar, voice, percussion, and brass-wind instruments.
Having held the position of Headmaster at Prince of Peace since 2003, Hahn’s journey with the school began in 1990 as a teacher and coach.
In April, Prince of Peace Christian School will showcase its annual spring musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” with performances scheduled for Friday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. The show is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $8 to $15. Online tickets can be purchased at ticketracker.com.
