Your Nominations
Luke McGinnis
I am nominating Mr. Luke McGinnis because he one of the best, if not the best, vocal music teacher in Indiana. Mr. McGinnis is the Vocal Music and Piano Teacher at Munster High School where he also serves as the music director for the Munster Theatre Company. Under his direction, the Munster High School Choral Program released its first full-length album Through the Valley (2021) will embark on the first international tour in school history to Austria in June of 2023. His Students routinely receive Gold ratings at Regional and State Solo and Ensemble Contests and are frequently selected for state, regional, national, and international honor choirs. In other words, Mr. McGinnis consistently puts in the hours and works extremely hard to make sure that his students succeed. He truly is a remarkable teacher who is dedicated to furthering the music education of every student he encounters!!
Camilyn Clausen
Mrs. Clausen has provided an incredible environment for our choir program. She constantly encourages us to remain true to ourselves as well as to each other. Not a day goes by without words of encouragement from her. She shares endless knowledge on music theory and helps us grow as artists and as people. Every day I wake up and the first thing that I think about is going to Jazz choir and singing with Mrs. Clausen as our director. She helped me discover my passion for music and always is reliant and resilient. Mrs. Clausen deserves this award because she puts so many hours into not only our program at Casteel High School, but the community. She serves as a chairman in the region, the state, and even represents Arizona at the national level. Mrs. Clausen also is the musical director for our theatre program and continues to spread her kindness outside of the classroom. Overall, Mrs. Clausen is no ordinary teacher; she is a mother, a friend, and an inspiration to everyone.
Alexandria Kordelewski
Mrs K continues to go above and beyond for me and all of her students. She offers us countless performance opportunities ranging all the way from a jazz boat cruise to singing at a nursing home. Not only does she offer plenty of musical opportunities she also makes a point to give our choirs the time to bond. Just this past weekend our chamber choir group had our “retreat” and we saw “Into The Woods“ and also went to “Medieval times”. I can’t express how great full I am to have such an awesome choir teacher as her. Truly coming from the bottom of my heart she has shaped me into the person I am today through music and just being there when I need her too. She sacrifices her own time to make these memories for us and we are so grateful for that. We love you Mrs K
Mr. Jarvis
Mr. Jarvis has positively impacted the lives of students for over 20 years. He is known for keeping his students engaged in the music while maintaining an environment of positivity and cooperation. I had him as a teacher in middle school and he helped spark hundreds of musical minds. He took over the role of high school choral director in fall of 2021. He was met with the difficulties of change and balance, and dealt with those obstacles using the experience and wisdom passed down to him from his many directors of years past. His humorous demeanor has aided him in being a passionate, and considerate choral director.
Melanie Cometa
Mrs. Cometa is truly one of the most hard-working and dedicated people I know. She has been one of my greatest inspirations in music, and has been incredibly helpful in guiding me on my musical journey after high school. Not only is she a wonderful person, but she has chosen some of the BEST repertoire. Last April, Chamber Choir got the opportunity to sing Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs with a live string quartet; an experience many of us in the choir will never forget. Mrs. Cometa is incredible at what she does, and our high school is insanely lucky to have her. She always creates a supportive and engaging environment resulting in high level musicianship and connection. I am endlessly grateful to have her as my teacher, and I truly hope she knows how much of an impact she has had on me, my peers, and those who came before us. She is all that I could ever ask for in a choir/theater director, and I hope to be even a fraction of the music teacher she is later down the road.
I have had Mrs. Cometa as a teacher for four years. As a freshman, I was contemplating leaving my school and transferring to another. I felt that I didn’t belong at all. I was in the entry level chorus, and one day we had choral placement hearings. I didn’t know I could sing. When I got a callback for the top choir in our school, one of three freshman girls, I was ecstatic and decided to stay. I didn’t get in that year, but the next year I did. Through the community Mrs. Cometa built, I’ve met my best friends, discovered my own love for music, and now as a senior I know I belong here. Whether I have good news, bad news, or extremely boring news, I can always tell Mrs. Cometa, and she will always listen. I had terrible confidence, I was afraid to stand out, to be myself, but junior year in getting to know her changed me. Mrs. Cometa has fostered an incredibly loving and accepting community, and because of that, I believe she should win teacher of the week (or best teacher ever).
I am nominating Melanie Cometa because She is one of the best music teachers I have ever had. Not only has she offered us many opportunities to take us for tours, but also have new experiences through music. Like how she chose the piece 5 Hebrew Love Songs. Or In our recent choir tour to Philadelphia, where we took first place in every competition. She has tought me and my fellow students the importance of being good musicians and good people. not only has she been the directer that shaped my life she will be the directer that changes generations to come!
Matthew Topping
Mr. Topping (or as he is known by his students, Topp) is truly a remarkable choir director who consistently impacts our entire local community. Topp leads with strength, humility, and an incredible sense of team work. Every day Topp pushes his students to be their best and always lends a hand when his students’ personal lives get hard. He offers a sense of family that many students don’t get to feel. This year, Topp led one of his choirs, the Chamber Singers, to the PMEA all-states conference. We could honestly never do it without Topp. He believes in every one of us when we don’t believe in ourselves. Thank you Topp for everything you have done for your students. Never stop doing what you’re doing – your passion for your art never goes unappreciated. Thank you. We love you so much and your sparkly shoes!
Ben England
I have never met Ben England nor have I been in the same room as him. But at least twice most weeks, Ben makes me feel that I really matter as a singer …. that I am improving, getting stronger and achieving my vocal goals. I am one of thousands of members of Choir of the Earth (a digital choir) and I would place bets that most of us would say the same thing – Ben communicates directly with me through the screen. He has taught me amazing choral works, note by note, music theory and the history and historical context of composers and their works. He is indefatigable, talented, knowledgeable and hugely enthusiastic, even after three years and counting years almost non-stop teaching, and I personally don’t know what I would do without him in my life.
Angela Hampton
Mrs. Hampton is super encouraging to all of her students and directs over four of the best choirs in the state of Indiana. Her talent and dedication is unlike anyone I have ever worked with. She directs choir and hand bells at Floyd Central high School, along with multiple other choirs outside of school. She is extremely hard working, caring, and trustworthy. She always finds ways to give her students opportunities that a regular high school choral director wouldn’t give and has been wonderfully teaching for over 20 years.
Alan Roberts
He endlessly supports his students and is consistently a brilliant conductor and lovely educator. He’s absolutely hilarious, but also just generally such an in depth person on top of being such an amazing teacher. I don’t think I will ever be a member of anything so enjoyable and life changing as his class has been.
Sarah Herron
Ms. Herron is legitimately the best choir teacher I’ve ever had in my entire life. She picks excellent music to learn and always pushes me to my limits. If I hadn’t been one of her students, I would have never been able to reach my fullest potential. She always believes in me and what I can do, and never hesitates to help me when I need it. She sacrifices so much time to make our music department a better place. I will miss her so dearly when I graduate.
Ms Herron is the reason I fell in love with music! She shows each student so much respect and takes time to make sure they understand what they are learning. The only thing above her dedication to her students is her dedication to music. I used to sing for shallow and dull reasons. But, under Ms Herron’s leadership, I began to grow a true passion for the music I was singing. In times when I have been unable to be proud of myself, she has been proud of me. Ms Herron carefully cultivates each student’s knowledge so they can flourish and grow to love music truly.
Tim Reiche
Mr. Reiche is a once-in-a-lifetime individual. Not only is he our band AND choir director, but he also directs our jazz band and marching band at Pen Argyl High School in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. He is incredibly well rounded! The amount of responsibility he holds within Pen Argyl’s music program and the school itself is an imperative part to the school’s atmosphere as a whole. Although a seemingly rough individual, Mr. Reiche’s expectations and attitudes towards his students set the bar high for individual and ensemble success. He has a kind heart, using it to help others in and outside of his community. He is always quick to crack a joke, as well as tell us a story about a funny event he’s recently experienced. Every rehearsal with him is filled with smiles. Plus, he is the reason I transferred to Pen Argyl High School in the first place! Thank you, Mr. Reiche, for all you’ve done for me, your community, your students, and our school!
Amber Schroeder
Our choir director, Mrs. Schroeder has pushed us in the healthiest manner possible to succeed in everything our choir has always been scared of. From day one she set the minimum standard of maximum effort. We began our year with the key rule of: Once walk into this room, it’s all in this room. Let the rest of the world leave your mind for this time. As a whole choir, we chose to agree on her push. This meant Bach Chorales every day, more difficult pieces of literature, extra rehearsals outside of school, and to learn about each composer who arranged/wrote our literature. For the first time in years, our choir got 2nd in our league, with that we are going to state! This would not have been a thought in our minds if Mrs. Schroeder hadn’t put her whole mind, heart, body, and soul into this group and the whole choir program at our school. She has become the most influential person I have met in my life. She expressed true confidence in me. She is the reason I am pursuing music ed.
Hanabi Ito
Ms. Ito is the best teacher in the entire world, she is super good at conducting and takes all our suggestions that help better our sound as a choir and she always puts a lot of emotion into it which helps me feel the power of the piece if I had previously been ambivalent or disconnected from it. Also, she teaches me how to conduct and the patterns, she is also super good at teaching us and she makes learning music super accessible and helps me understand complex concepts by simplifying them and explaining them in personalized ways that I would understand. She is a genius and has great taste in choral music and she is a silly goose.
Kelly Jones
Ms. Kelly Jones redefines what it means to be an extraordinary educator. Her passion for music extends to every one of her students and is recognized by her peers. She can often be found scheduling rehearsals, performances, and opportunities for her students to become incredible musicians. The classroom is her arena. From the minute the bell rings to the end of class, students are engaging in rigorous material. What makes Ms. Jones so unique is she has found a way for students to not be discouraged by difficult work. Students are curious, excited, determined, and motivated to work through pieces and create beautiful music. These students would not have been able to reach their true potential without Ms. Jones. To be a “fly on the wall” in her classroom is a privilege. Watching her work is like watching Mozart create a masterpiece. I can honestly say that having Ms. Jones as my teacher has changed my life for the better. As a future music educator, I hope to be half the teacher she is
Katie Barton
Katie is a beautiful light in everyone’s life. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone sees how talented they really are!
She has picked me up from a lot of low points and is one of the people I trust most in life! She is a safe space and a kind soul who is always there for everyone! She listens and has great advice. Katie inspires all of the music nerds and is always full of jokes! She’s so talented! On top of having a beautiful singing voice, playing piano, organ and flute, and having perfect pitch…even her CURLS can direct people! 🖤 (Specifically curl #47-that’s the Soprano curl!) She always pushes people to their best potential. She brings out the talent in everyone and let’s them know NOT to be afraid to show it! She is not only a teacher but also a friend! I can’t think of anyone better who deserves this honor! We love you Katie Barton!
Ariel Bermitz Beahan
Mrs. Beahan has been a great teacher and someone I’ve looked up to for the past two years of my life. I moved to Florida as a freshman, and I was struggling a lot, and joining the choir program helped me significantly. She has been an amazing support and helped me grow so much not only as a musician but as a person. She has worked to build a community for the choir, where everyone feels safe and is able to be themselves, and not every program is like that. When I graduate high school, I strive to be like her, and eventually teach a choir, and build a community where kids are able to be themselves and grow. I really think she deserves the recognition she doesn’t always get at South Lake.
Corbin Pinto
Mrs.Pinto is not just a teacher, but a role model, a friend, and a leader in our community. At the Visual and Performing Arts Academy in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she gives constructive feedback that elevates our skills as singers. Mrs.Pinto constantly wants the best for her students, and this desire is extended beyond the music world. For her students, she often provides community service opportunities, writes recommendations for future opportunities, and frequently offers help to meet future life goals. Outside of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School, she teaches children in the community music via the Virginia Children’s Chorus. It is clear by Mrs.Pinto’s actions towards her students that she does her job for her love of music and the students. Besides her impressive and lengthy resume, Mrs.Pinto typically includes at least one of Eric Whitacre’s compositions. She admires his work, and this award would be a great gift to show her our appreciation.
Jennifer Porath
Mrs. Jennifer Porath has been an incredible director of the bands at Concordia Lutheran High School. She is incredibly dedicated to her program. She directs the high school band program in the morning and also goes to local middle schools to teach them how to best enable their gifts. We all grow and blossom under her direction. We are all taught how to take grasp of our talents and make them the best we can be. In this setting, we learn many ways to hone in our gifts, teach others, be servant leaders, and grow in respect for others. This community is a tight-knit family that is filled with love for each other and the love of God. We are blessed to be under her direction in our symphonic, concert, and marching band (we used your song in October for our 2021 marching show!). Mrs. Porath has learned much from her past director, Mrs. Mollering, but also continues to find her own ways of doing things. Much love from her symphonic band students!
Jack Kernochan
I nominate Jack Kernochan, an attentive English teacher in Denver who makes people FEEL cherished, accepted and understood.
He recognizes 7th grade as a particularly critical time for developing self confidence and realization of how we matter in this world. He strives for racial and LGBTQ inclusion & accepts heat in his school for pushing back against outdated racist and exclusionary literature.
Last fall, one of his homeroom students was murdered. As the school encouraged everyone to move on and not discuss what happened, Jack got professional advice and was able to incorporate the student’s legacy intentionally as well as actively care for his current students’ emotions. As a choral teacher, I turn to music to grapple with deep emotions. I am amazed by Jack’s natural gift to do the same but using the art of literature and language.
By the way, Jack is marrying our daughter. We’re thrilled to welcome this amazing teacher into our family as well!
Alberta Smith
This woman is absolutely incredible. She inspires each and every one of her students to be better every single day. She ensures that her students feel included. She is the reason we got to attend the DCINY concert in New York with Whitacre. She worked so hard to put that trip together and it was an amazing experience for every student who was able to go. She has the kindest soul and music is truly her passion. She is wonderful with what she does and she deserves so much recognition.
Alberta “Smitty” Smith is a wonderful teacher and friend. She has put so much work and time into making me and my friends the best singers we can be, and helping us get the opportunity to sing with Eric Whitacre in New York. She is an inspiration to us all and I think she would be a perfect fit for the teacher of the week.
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