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2024 Awards for Excellence Award Recipients 

The 2024 MMEA Awards for Excellence Awards Ceremony will occur at the MMEA Annual State Conference on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 5:30 PM in room 301-303 of the Baltimore Convention Center.

2024 MMEA OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR 

Anne Binkley

Anne Binkley.jpg

Anne Binkley began teaching music in 1997. While raising seven children, she taught in private schools and a conservatory and began teaching voice for Salisbury University as an adjunct faculty member in 2003. In 2019, Anne earned an MAT in music teacher education from Salisbury University and was hired to teach third- and fourth-grade general music at  Ocean City Elementary School. Anne recently earned a Doctor of Music Education degree from Liberty University.

Kirsten Chalk

Kirsten Chalk is the vocal music teacher at Deer Park Elementary School in Baltimore County. In addition to teaching at Deer Park, she has served in several roles at the county level; chair of the BCPS Elementary Choral and Recorder Festival for many years and curriculum writer for both elementary and middle school general music. Mrs. Chalk has been recognized as Deer Park Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year twice and she achieved National Board Certification in 2023.

Christopher Cicconi

Dr. Christopher Cicconi is Director of Bands and Orchestra and Associate Professor of Music at Towson University. There, he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and teaches courses in conducting and instrumental music education. Dr. Cicconi is also the principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, on the conducting staff of the United States Naval Academy, and serves as the music director for the Towson Wind Symphony.

Carolyn Herman

Carolyn Herman has taught Instrumental music at Thomas S. Wootton High School for 20 years and spent her entire 30 year career in MCPS.  Wootton’s Orchestra has grown from one small orchestra to 3 orchestras organized by ability.  Mrs. Herman’s top orchestra has performed at many MMEA and All Eastern conferences as well as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.  Carolyn also volunteers to promote music education by working as the Manager of the All State Orchestra and as a member of MCMEA.
 

Mark Lortz

Mark Lortz is the Director of Music at Stevenson University, has a Music Education Ph.D. from Temple University, and has degrees from the Peabody Institute. His compositions have been performed internationally and are acknowledged by ASCAP. Additionally, he works as the brass arranger for Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps, collaborates with military ensembles and the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band, conducts honor bands, and has toured with The Dallas Brass and Phantom of the Opera musical.

Amy Vanek

Amy Vanek has been a choral music educator since 2005. She has directed the choirs of Bethesda Chevy Chase HS, Clarksburg HS, and the International School of Qingdao, China. 
Amy has served the music education community as curriculum specialist for Montgomery County Schools, the director of the Montgomery County Youth Chorus, and as  adjudicator, presenter and a clinician in Maryland and Virginia. She is incredibly honored and grateful for this award.

2024 MMEA OUTSTANDING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Amanda Shanks

Amanda Shanks, principal of Dumbarton Middle School, has been a teacher and leader in Baltimore County Public Schools for 25 years. A former English teacher, she holds a Master of Education from Loyola College and a Bachelor’s degree from Towson University. An advocate for safe, supportive learning spaces and student voice and opportunity at school and in the community, she was selected by students as the Baltimore County Student Councils Principal of the Year in 2023. 

Christina Welch

Christina Welch has been with Worcester County for the past 36 years as teacher, Judy Center Director, and administrator.  For the past 12 years, she has served as principal of Snow Hill Middle School and most recently, Buckingham Elementary School.  The arts, in particular Music, has been a priority within her leadership vision throughout her entire career. Dr. Welch believes that to meet the needs of the whole child, music is an integral component of a highly effective instructional program. 

2024 CORWIN TAYLOR MUSIC EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD

Lionel Harrell

Lionel Harrell is a Prince George’s County native and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Bowie State University and a Masters of Science Degree in Administration and Supervision from Coppin State University. In his 11th year as PGCPS Instrumental Music Supervisor, Mr. Harrell has worked to advance equity and access in music by implementing various strategies and forming a culture promoting music education and performance. 

2024 ROSEMARY AND JAMES WALTERS AWARD FOR SERVICE

Paul Hatton

Paul Hatton has devoted 24 years to PGCPS as a teacher and arts administrator, with Teacher of the Year nominations in 2009 and 2014, and a 2005 JFMF recipient. His bands' MMEA and White House performances highlight his commitment to music education. He's the creator of soloandensemble.org, widely-used instrument fingering trainers, and is an active adjudicator. When not working, he enjoys puzzles, fossil hunting, his daughter Tess, husband Woody, cats Tako and Pixel, and goose Sprinkles.

Lisa Schultze

Lisa Schultze teaches Instrumental Music at Logan ES and Seven Oaks ES in Baltimore County. She earned degrees from Towson University and Johns Hopkins University. During 28 years in Baltimore County, she has taught elementary, middle, and high school music. Currently, she teaches band, orchestra, and Exploratory Music. Lisa is a Past President of the Maryland Band Directors Association, Tuba Christmas Baltimore Coordinator, and active in events in Baltimore County and throughout Maryland.

2024 MMEA HALL OF FAME

Angela Adams

Angela Adams has been the choral director at Old Mill High School since 2016. Previously, she taught 5 years in middle school and 13 years in elementary school. She holds a BM in Music Education from Westminster Choir College, a MM in Voice from Florida State University, and MS in Education from Walden University. Angela is a National Board Recertified teacher and has written curriculum for AACPS, the BSO, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

TC O'Brien

Mrs. TC O’Brien received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.  She taught middle and high school choral music for 30 years and retired from Charles County Public Schools in 2017.  From 2017-2021 TC served as Artistic Director of St. Maries Choral Arts. TC’s vision of ensembles who inspire hope through outstanding performance and action, came to life in 2023 as she founded a new music nonprofit in Southern Maryland: Hope in Harmony.

2024 MMEA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

Matt Sallee

Matt Sallee is a native of Maryland, having been raised in Baltimore and attended school in Charles County. He gained admission into the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston and joined award-winning acapella sensation Pitch Slapped. In 2017, Matt was selected by Pentatonix as their second bass singer. To learn more about Matt, visit the MMEA website. 

NOMINATION, REVIEW, AND PRESENTATION

 

MMEA/NAfME current members OR school administrators can award candidates by completing the online nomination form. All forms must be filled out completely in order to be considered.

 

The Awards Committee will serve as judges to review the nominations and select the eligible candidates.  Awards recipients will be contacted via email once the review process is complete.

Awards may be given annually, however, if there are not sufficient candidates, some categories may not be awarded.


 

AWARDS PRESENTATION

 

Awards will be presented annually at an Awards Reception on the Saturday evening of the Annual State Conference (specific day/time TBA).  A letter of distinction will be sent to the appropriate administrator for the award recipient’s personnel file (if applicable).  Recognition of the recipients will be included on the MMEA website homepage, the awards webpage, MMEA social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), in emails to the members, district supervisors, and other stakeholders.


 

TIMELINE

August - Information updated on Website & Forms Open

September 5 - MMEA Nominations Open

December 6 - MMEA Awards Nominations Close

December  8 to 15 - Committee Review

December 18 - Awards Decided 

December 20 - Awardees notified - Gather Information 

January - Awardees Announced

February 24 - Awards Ceremony @ Conference 

 

AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS


All nomination forms are linked at the end of the descriptions.

 

Outstanding Music Educator

Award Description

This award recognizes and honors music educators for their outstanding service to the music students in public, private, or independent schools in the State of Maryland.

 

This award will be given in three categories:  

Career - a tenured educator with six or more years of teaching experience

New - an educator with one to five years of teaching experience

Retired -  an educator who has retired from teaching music

 

Note: Membership is not required for administrators wishing to nominate their colleagues. Membership IS required for educators wishing to self-nominate or nominate a colleague. 

 

Nominee Qualifications

  1. Must be an MMEA/NAfME Member at the time of nomination

  2. Must be a Maryland music educator who has taught a minimum of six years (career teacher) or one year (new teacher). 

 

Leadership Criteria

  1. Consistently produces/produced music groups of high-performance level. 

  2. Consistently performs/performed programs of high musical quality. 

  3. Has made an outstanding contribution to the community and to the state through music. 

  4. Has made outstanding contributions to the improvement of music groups in Maryland through participation and leadership in professional organizations. 

  5. Must have had student participation in honors performing groups such as All County or All State groups when appropriate. 

  6. Has hosted student teachers, meetings, festivals and/or presented workshops, clinics, adjudicated or guest conducted ensemble groups. 

  7. Has written articles for various music journals and/or participated in curriculum work. 

  8. Maintains/maintained contact with feeder schools where applicable and encourages students to continue their music education. 

 

Professional Growth Criteria

  1. Continues to improve knowledge by enrolling in education courses for advanced degrees by attending workshops, in-service programs, clinics etc.

  2. Has been recognized by area organizations, school PTA or community groups.

 

Human Relations Criteria

  1. Demonstrates/demonstrated a caring attitude toward students and serves as an excellent role model. 

  2. Has received letters in their personnel file from students, colleagues, parents, and/or supervisor/administrator relating to contributions to the growth of students. 

  3. Demonstrates/demonstrated the ability to inspire students to learn. 

  4. Encourages and helps students to build self-esteem and confidence. 

  5. Works cooperatively with total school staff, parents, and community. 

  6. Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their teaching.

  7. Demonstrates performance above and beyond the call of duty. 


 

Outstanding School Administrator
 

Award Description

This award is to recognize non-arts administrators who are music advocates and supporters, working with the music team to build incredible music programs for their schools and communities. 

 

Note: Membership is not required for administrators wishing to nominate their colleagues. Membership IS required for educators wishing to self-nominate or nominate a colleague. 

 

Nominee Qualifications

An elementary or secondary principal, school administrator, or school system supervisor or superintendent.

 

Nomination Criteria

  1. Increased time allotment for students in the music programs.

  2. Expansion of the music program in the school/district as a result of the administrator’s efforts.

  3. Student or school recognition or awards for achievement in music.

  4. Advocating for music and arts education in the school and community.

  5. Financial commitment to the music programs in the school or district.

  6. Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community.

  7. Strong leadership, good school management, and good rapport with educators, parents, and students.


 

MMEA Exemplary Music Program Award

Award Description

This award is to recognize outstanding music programs. 

 

Nominee Qualifications

Any public, private or independent school in the State of Maryland that has not received this award in the past five years. The music educator in charge of this program must be a member of MMEA/NAfME.

 

Nomination Criteria

  1. Outstanding curriculum, program goals & objectives, unique materials & teaching strategies.

  2. Strong student participation in music programs and honor ensembles.

  3. Innovative teaching strategies and materials

  4. Support for the music program on the part of the local administration and/or the board of education.

  5. Exemplifies diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community?

  6. Community involvement and support, such as: number of students involved in community musical organizations, parental involvement, and community recognition

The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award

Award Description

This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the music education of Maryland’s youth. The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award was established in 1993 in memory of Dr. Corwin H. Taylor (1905-1992), noted musician, composer, author, and educator. Dr. Taylor, an active member of the Music Educators National Conference (now National Association for Music Education, NAfME) and the Maryland Music Educators Association, was Supervisor of Instrumental Music for the Baltimore Public School system from 1945 to 1968 and a faculty member at the University of Maryland at College Park from 1968 to 1976.

 

Nominee Qualifications

A teacher, administrator, parent, industry representative, or performer in Maryland. Membership in MMEA/NAfME is encouraged but not required.

 

Nomination Criteria

  1. Demonstrated connection to music education in Maryland.

  2. Significant contributions to the music education of Maryland’s youth.


 

The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service

Award Description

This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Maryland Music Educators Association. The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service to the Maryland Music Educators Association was established in 2001 in memory of Rosemary and James Walters. Their teaching careers were in Maryland, spanning 30 years until a tragic accident in April 2001. Jim taught instrumental music, most recently at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Montgomery County while Rosemary taught choral music. Together, they characterized the essence of supporting the music education profession. They supported their colleagues, young and seasoned, and they supported every professional activity of the association and the school music community. Jim served as MBDA president, but his contribution was not limited to band activities. Rosemary eventually left the classroom to work full time in church music, but her involvement as a substitute music teacher and as an accompanist continued. At nearly any MMEA event, it was typical to see Jim and Rosemary offering to assist when they were not “on duty,” doing whatever needed to be done.

 

Nominee Qualifications

Must have volunteered for MMEA in the capacity of an Executive Board Member, Component Board Member, adjudicator, ensemble manager, chaperone or other volunteer position. Membership in MMEA/NAfME is encouraged but not required.

 

 

MMEA Hall of Fame

Award Description

This award is to recognize an individual for excellence in teaching and/or administration, contributions and improvements made in music education, betterment of the profession through exemplary service or acts, professional offices, publications, awards, recognition, performances, and professional ideals and academic integrity.

 

Nominee Qualifications

  1. A teacher or administrator in Maryland who displayed excellence and dedication in teaching or administration over the course of their career.  

  2. The Nominee must be a member of MMEA/NAfME at the time of nomination.  If the nominee is retired or deceased, they must have been a member while teaching.


 

AWARDS NOMINATION FORMS

 

Outstanding Music Educator Award (new/career/retired)

School Administrator Award (non-arts administrator)

MMEA/NAfME Exemplary Music Program Award 

The Corwin Taylor Music Education Award

The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service

MMEA Hall Of Fame

 

AWARDS SCORING RUBRIC

Link to scoring rubric

歷屆獲獎者

傑出音樂教育家*

 

2020年
Andrea Cameron,蒙哥馬利縣羅伯特弗羅斯特中學
Carol Cox,Bodkin 小學,安妮阿倫德爾縣
Jana Davis Hobbs,威科米科高中,威科米科縣
Allen Kessell,巴爾的摩縣富蘭克林高中

 

2019年
Sarah Burton,北索爾茲伯里小學、Bennett 中學、Parkside 高中、James M. Bennett 高中、Wicomico 縣
Emily James,安妮阿倫德爾縣南岸小學
Randine Levy,蒙哥馬利縣羅伯托克萊門特中學
David Matchim,霍華德縣百年高中
Lisa Adams,伍斯特縣柏林中學

 

2018年
Kenneth Dasher,威科米科縣 Pittsville 中小學
Paul Heinemann,蒙哥馬利縣洛基山中學
安妮·瑪麗·帕特森,西奧多·戴維斯
 查爾斯縣中學
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr.,Glassmanor 小學,喬治王子縣
James Woomert,霍華德縣阿索頓高中

 

2017年
香農日
劉易斯·杜特羅
道格·邁爾斯
林恩·斯泰宁格

傑出學校行政人員*

2020 - 約翰·泰勒,蒙哥馬利縣約翰小屋中學
2019 - Matthew Record,伍斯特縣 Pocomoke 中學
2018 - Jazmin G. Lawhorn,克羅夫頓小學,安妮阿倫德爾縣
2017 - 克里斯·拉泰

MMEA/NAfME 示範音樂課程*

2020 年 - 喬治王子縣埃莉諾羅斯福高中
2018 年 - 哈福德縣 Homestead-Wakefield 小學
2017 年 - 霍華德縣埃利科特米爾斯中學

Corwin Taylor 音樂教育領導獎

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

羅斯瑪麗和詹姆斯沃爾特斯服務獎

 

​​​

MMEA名人堂



The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award

2020 年——托德·J·巴勒斯

2019 – 斯科特·赫爾曼

2018 年 - 邁克爾 L. 馬克

2017 – 安妮塔蘭伯特

2013 年 - 南希 S. 格拉斯米克

2012 年 - C.納爾遜弗里茨

2011 年 - 理查德·J·迪西

2010 年 - 凱瑟琳 A. 羅德弗

2009 年——瓊·奧克特

2005 年——琳達·巴頓

2004 年——克里斯·圖爾

2002 年——瑪麗·艾倫·科恩

1999 年 - 芭芭拉 F. 金

1998 年 - 菲利斯 T. 卡普蘭

1998 年 - 羅傑·J·福斯特羅姆

1997 年 - 小詹姆斯·L·塔克 (James L. Tucker, Jr.)

1996 年——瑪麗·安·米爾斯

1995 年——羅莎·弗萊徹·克羅克

1994 年——凱倫·道格拉斯

The Rosemary & James Walters Award for Service

2020 - 珍妮特格羅斯

2017 - 金妮弗林

2015 年——莎莉·瓦格納

2014 年——詹姆斯·L·特克

2013 年 - 揚·斯特雷維格

2012 年——黛博拉·特納

2011 年 - 霍華德·L·米斯基蒙

2011 年 - 薩布拉 C. 管家

2010 年 - 梅布爾·萊昂諾爾·索希爾

2004 年 - 理查德 A. 迪沙龍

2003 年 - 克里斯蒂 L. 亞當斯

2002 - 托馬斯·W·富蓋特

MMEA Hall of Fame

2020 年 — 查爾斯·哈斯魯普(Charles Haslup)(死後)

2019 年 – 克里斯·瓦達拉 (Chris Vadala)(死後)

2018 年 - 吉爾伯特 A.布倫加特(死後)

2014 年——達娜·羅斯利斯伯格

2013 年——雷·丹納

2012 年——切麗·斯特拉喬

2012 年 - C. Scott Sharnetzka

2011 - 李史蒂文斯

2010 年 - 布魯斯 D. 威爾遜

2009 年 - 利昂·Y·伍德爾

2008 年 - 理查德 A. 迪沙龍

2008 年 - 小詹姆斯·L·塔克 (James L. Tucker, Jr.)

2007 年 - 奧利維亞 W. 古托夫

2006 年——瑪麗·艾倫·科恩

2006 年——約翰·韋克菲爾德

2005 年 - 芭芭拉 F. 金

2005 年 - 邁克爾 L. 馬克

2004 - 羅傑·J·福斯特羅姆

2004 年 - 菲利斯 R. 卡普蘭

2003 – 勒羅伊之戰

2003 - 格倫帕特森

2000 - 米爾德里德 B. 特雷維特

1999 年 - 南希·M·庫克

1999 年 – Sr. Mary Theresine Staub SSND

1998 年——莫里斯·R·費爾德曼

1997 年 - 克拉倫斯 T. 羅傑斯

1996 年 - 詹姆斯 H. Avampato

1996 年 - 卡梅隆·J·帕拉佐

1995 年——大衛·馬爾尚

1995 年 - W. 沃倫·斯普勞斯

1994 年——雪莉·J·雪萊

1994 年 – 唐納德·雷吉爾

1994 年——米爾德里德·R·賴納

1995 年——大衛·馬爾尚

1995 年 - W. 沃倫·斯普勞斯

1994 年——雪莉·J·雪萊

1994 年 – 唐納德·雷吉爾

1994 年——米爾德里德·R·賴納

1993 年——托馬斯·W·富蓋特

1993 年 - C. 威廉·約翰遜

1993 年——邁克爾·帕斯特拉克

1992 年 - 布蘭奇 F. 鮑爾斯貝

1992 年 – 約瑟夫·F·喬克

1992 年 - 詹姆斯 L. 費舍爾

1991 年 - 小約翰·費格納 (John Fignar)

1990 年——羅伯特·E·克西

1990 年 - 多蘿西 S. 皮卡德

1989 年 - 愛麗絲 S. 啤酒

1989 年——托馬斯·R·勞倫斯

1989 年 - 科文 H. 泰勒

1988 年——瑪格麗特·布萊克
1988 年——羅伯特·S·博爾斯
1988 年——大衛·伯查克
1988 年——弗朗西斯·傑克曼·西維斯
1988 年——約翰·科爾
1988 年 – 瑪麗 G. 克羅斯
1988 年——約翰·德紐斯
1988 年 – 尼古拉斯·傑里亞克
1988 年——托馬斯·L·吉布森
1988 年——羅斯·瑪麗·格倫策
1988 年 - S. 芬頓哈里斯
1988 年——米里亞姆·霍夫曼
1988 年——瑪麗·M·亨特
1988 年——約翰·伊策爾
1988 年 - 亨麗埃塔·貝克·洛
1988 年——奧托·奧特曼
1988 年——菲利普·S·羅耶
1988 年 - 奧斯馬爾·斯坦瓦爾德
1988 年 – 查爾斯 CT Stull
1988 年——尤金·W·特羅斯
1988 年——荷馬·烏爾里希
1988 年 - C. 詹姆斯·維利
1988 年——列維·懷爾德
1988 年——多蘿西·威利森
1988 年——威廉·盧維林·威爾遜

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