
2016 Grammy Music Educator Award semifinalists revealed
Millions of Americans tune in to the Grammy Awards each year to watch their favorite artists put on their best, jaw-breaking performances and be awarded for their musical achievements. But behind every performer was a teacher who helped them get to the big stage.
That is the idea behind the Music Educator Award, created by the Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation to recognize "current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education."
Last year's recipient, band director Jared Cassedy of Windam High School in New Hampshire, said the Grammys was more than a "once-in-a-lifetime experience," and still serves as a reminder of his role in the "greater cause of music education."
"It's so much more than just teaching kids to perform and collaborate, it's really looking at my students and my program as a means for instilling a passion to work towards their own individual goals and interests," Cassedy said.
As for his own goals, Cassedy said the experience has allowed him to reflect on his role as a teacher from a broader platform. Cassedy has expanded his influence beyond his high school band, bringing the music buzz to elementary and middle school students in his school district. His high school band has also continued to see an increase in students, especially among those who are first-time or returning musical instrument players.
While Cassedy admitted some sadness that the year was coming to an end, he expressed excitement for the next recipient to carry on the legacy.
"I think it's really important that we reflect on the experiences and what we gained our of them, reinvigorate them...in a way that is going to be impactful to the students, because it's all about the students and the community that we work with," Cassedy said.
This year, more than 4,500 nominations were submitted nationwide. The 25 semifinalists come from 25 cities across 15 states. The list will be whittled down to 10 finalists in December, who will each receive a $1,000 honorarium as well as matching grants for their schools.
The lucky winner will be flown to Los Angeles during Grammy Week in February to accept the award, attend the Grammy Award ceremony and receive a $10,000 honorarium.
CBS News is happy to announce the semifinalists of the 2016 Music Educator Award:
Bonnie Anderson
Coronado Village Elementary School, Universal City, Texas
Ben Case
Northwood High School, Irvine, California
Caleb Chapman
Pioneer High School for the Performing Arts, American Fork, Utah
Joyce Click
North Central High School, Indianapolis, Indiana
James Russell Cooper
Henry County High School, New Castle, Kentucky
Mike Dana
Fresno City College, Fresno, California
Krista Fanning
Caddo Middle Magnet, Shreveport, Louisiana
Anne Fennell
Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, California
Doreen Fryling
South Side High School, Rockville Centre, New York
Frank Gawle
Wilton High School, Wilton, Connecticut
Alan Guckian
Eastside Memorial High School, Austin, Texas
Keith Hancock
Tesoro High School, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Peter Holsberg
The Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, New York
Kathryn Ingerson
Thousand Islands High/Middle School, Clayton New York
Darren McCoy
Oak Harbor High School, Oak Harbor, Washington
Richard McCready
River Hill High School, Clarksville, Maryland
DiAnne Mott
Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central District, St. Johnsville, New York
Timothy Powell
Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, Tennessee
Penelope Quesada
Lincoln Elementary School, Louisville, Kentucky
Ulli Reiner
Poway Unified School District, San Diego, California
Phillip Riggs
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, North Carolina
Bill Swick
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Brayer Teague
Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove, Illinois
Linda Versprille
Cane Bay High School, Summerville, South Carolina
Lois Wiggins
Edythe J. Hayes Middle School, Lexington, Kentucky
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