Your Nominations
Arnell David Arellanes
I am nominating Arnell David Arellanes for both personal and other reasons. David was a huge part of my early choral and musical education, and he inspired not only a passion for listening to and singing great quality music, but also instilled in me a high standard of choral professionalism and performance. I will never forget all of his lessons and insights while both taking classes from and singing in various choral groups under him. He also taught at West Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NM, and from everything I’ve seen and heard, he continues to be an inspiration to all of his choral students there. He is recently retired. Great man!
Michael Slon
Michael Slon not only teaches his students what it means to be phenomenal musicians, but also guides them to become phenomenal humans, and gives both halves of his job the full measure of his considerable talent as an educator. From fostering life-long friendships forged in the front row of the alto section to mentoring rising-star conductors and European opera pros, from attending students’ theatre dress rehearsals to attending their weddings and even funerals, from welcoming new students to their first college audition to welcoming them into his own home (and even his parents’), Prof. Slon models the same kind of tireless commitment to his singers that he expects them to give to the choral ensembles at UVa. He devotes countless hours to building strong, diverse, and supportive communities both in his classrooms and beyond, all over Charlottesville, and fully believes in the power of music to breathe hope into our darkest moments. His incredible work speaks–sings!–for itself.
Allyn Rizo
Mrs. Rizo is the choir director of my high school. Throughout the last couple of years, she has fought through one of life’s hardest struggles; her daughter having cancer. Through the challenges, she still walks into class everyday and brings joy and smiles to the faces of those around and she truly changes those around her. Even in the darkest hours, she used music to express her feelings and allowed our joy in creating music to impact not only herself but to allow us to follow along her journey and create a safe place for each and every person. Her daughter is currently on the path to recovery but the battle isn’t over yet. She has changed my life as well as many others. Without her strength, courage, and honesty our choir would never be where it is today.
Megan Schuitema
I am nominating Megan because she not only supported me as a musician but also as a person. High school was a turbulent time in my life and she created a space where I felt safe to try new things and go out of my comfort zone. I will forever credit her with building my lasting love of choir and truly believe she deserves any and all forms of praise possible.
Jeff Quamo
He gave his all to make sure all of his students succeeded.
Mrs. Laura Sebastiano
Mrs. Sebastiano has been an extremely influential role model as my choir teacher of over seven years. Her wonderful inclusive attitude in the classroom and her overall kind spirit is completely unmatched by other teachers and staff. Her genuine nature in helping others develop confidence within themselves, and in the classroom has fostered long term bonds. I am extremely grateful to have had Mrs. Laura Sebastiano as a mentor, teacher, and friend.
Mr. Lapomardo (Mr. L)
He has helped me grow and come out of my shell so much since I shatter taking choir. Instead of being horrified every time I sing, now I look forward to it and love it.
Dr. Priscilla Porterfield
Dr. Porterfield has such a gift of creating and caring, and with such humility! She has made a community of friends out of her Treble Choir students for over 30 years, while also having fun, making them better musicians, and cultivating gorgeous(!) sound from them. The care she has for her students is unique at the college level as it extends to each person as an individual. So many times she is ready to genuinely build her students up with words or to remind them to, on the upcoming weekend, be safe and surround themselves with people who treat them as the wonderful people they are. She really gave me and so many others a place to belong during a formative time in our lives, and we will be forever grateful!
Matthew J Doty
Through all his years of educating, Matt has gone above and beyond with his students. From sight reading to stage presence; from languages and diction to panash; from breathing, blending, and feeling to complex choreography and emoting to the audience. Matt covers every element that makes up music including it’s history and students walk away with a love of the art and a love and respect for him. Matt is an amazing music educator.
Katie Seidemann
Katie is a chorus teacher in Southwest Virginia. She inspires students daily through music, but she doesn’t stop there! She is heavily involved in her local teacher advocacy groups, attending conferences and speaking at rallies. She does all this while maintaining a standard of excellence in her students- and she holds herself accountable to that standard as well! She hones her craft by regularly participating in opportunities like Voices of Appalachia, (a local adult choral group), and has participated in Eric Whitacre’s virtual choir as well. Katie can always be found speaking up for students who need it. She is dedicated, driven, and admirable. Thank you for doing the hard work, Katie!
Tiffany Harrington
When I moved to my new school, I knew close to nobody, but I had comfort that choir would bring me so many new relationships. Not only that, I met a teacher who truly cares about her students and her work. I adore her, she’s easy to talk to, bubbly, and knows how to have a good time. But, she also knows when it’s time to work, and she works wonders for our group. With her work, we are one of the best choirs in the state, and that wouldn’t have been possible without her patience, dedication, and care for us. She truly is an amazing example of what choir directors should strive to be like.
Raymond Churchill
Ray Churchill was my high school choir director. His enthusiasm and passion for teaching has inspired countless students over the years to not just be wonderful musicians, but to also be the best versions of themselves they can be. Throughout the year you can see Ray and his choirs performing throughout the community of Griswold, CT and spreading the joy of song. His choirs sing the national anthem at every home football game at which Ray also assistant coaches the team. They carol throughout the community spreading holiday cheer. Then Ray puts on a musical in the spring that sells out every single performance and is at the highest caliber a high school performance could possibly attain. Aside from concerts, festivals and performances throughout the year he also has created the ECPAA which aims to bring arts education to a new generation of musicians. His love for music and his students inspired me to become a music teacher myself. He is truly an amazing educator.
Stacie Mavis
Ms. Mavis is the chorus director at Flowery Branch High School, and directs FOUR different choirs, all while coaching all state students and dealing with teenagers. She creates beautiful music and touches the heart of every student that walks through her doors. She is a pillar of strength and trust for nearly every single student in her program, and her choirs have become safe spaces for so many students I have seen.
Samuel Potts
Mr. Potts deserves to be nominated for the fantastic work he has done for my HS chorus in just one semester. This is his first year teaching at our HS and he has thoroughly demonstrated his ability to truly connect both musically and emotionally with his students. He taught our Mastery chorus Eric Whitacre’s piece, Seal Lullaby, for our fall concert in the very beginning of the year after just a few weeks of getting to know us and learning our choir’s voices. We performed it like we had worked on that piece for 5 months rather than the month and a half we had. He is incredibly musically talented, and has given us his all in making this transition from a previous 11 year chorus teacher smooth and enjoyable for everyone. In the semester he’s been with us, he has given us the best emotional support throughout anything. He loves to give us 3 seconds at the beginning of class to scream and let everything out, and he’s always encouraging us anytime we are having an off singing day.
Mr. Potts transferred to my high school this year, and has changed my life in so many ways. I am the a cappella small group leader in my school and when he first auditioned me he asked what my worst trait was. I proceeded to tell him about my mental health and how music has helped me through the darkest moments in my life, and he told me if there was anything I needed that I could always ask him. Since then, he has helped me by letting me sit in his room when I need to take a break, and helping me get better at expressing my emotions through music. Last semester, somebody in my grade passed away in a car accident and he let me sit in a practice room and play piano to process my emotions, as well as giving the rest of the class that opportunity and taking over my a cappella duties for the day. His humor makes my day, and he has been everything I could’ve asked for in a teacher and mentor. I’m so glad he’s my teacher.
My nomination is Mr. Potts. He has only been at our school for 1 year but has already shaped and molded us into very talented singers. His positive demeanor and great attitude truly makes him an inspiration to continue to sing.
Matthew Gingras
I am nominating my choir director, Mr.Gingras. He goes above and beyond to keep every student engaged and motivated in class. I have been under his wing for four years, and it has been the best four years of my life. He is constantly pushing us to bring our best to the table and never leaves anyone behind. He interacts with the class so well, there is never a dull moment with ging. He has a heart of gold and is truly someone to look up to. He is truly a teacher for the students, I’m not sure where I would be in music if it wasn’t for him.
Jana Ballard
She works with so many different choruses and still produces an amazing quality of sound from each. She’s a great teacher.
David Mead
Mr. Mead has been through many hardships throughout his life, with the most predominant being heart attacks. He has survived 4 heart attacks and not once has he let his health stop him from accomplishing greatness. He and his choir have sang in many large cities, from LA, Chicago, Austin, New Orleans, Carnegie Hall under the direction of Eric Whitacre himself, and now we are singing in Rome under the direction of Z. Randall Stroope in June 2023. Mr. Mead has never turned a student away in his classroom, and anyone and everyone is welcome to sing. He has accomplished 22 years of straight ones (the highest score possible) at District Music Contest. He pushes his choir to be the very best they can be, and every day in class is a new challenge. Mr. Mead deserves this recognition more than anyone in my opinion. He changed my life and helped me discover my love and passion for music. I would not be where I am today without his guidance!!
Willy Dolan
Mr.Dolan’s philosophy is that “you matter, each and every single one of you!” He truly lives up to this statement he goes out of his way for each and every one of his student no matter if he has known them for a day or years. He makes class a welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable place to be and really cares about his students and their well being! And teaches in a style that is fun and different to what most choir directors do and it’s really unique. Dolan is a wonderful teacher and person and makes an impact in the life’s of his students and anyone you ask can say he is one of a kind, and has personally pushed me to become a better person and musician. And that is why I nominate Mr.Dolan!
Mr. Dolan is one of the few (and by few I mean I can probably count them on one hand) teachers I’ve had as of late who seem like they genuinely care about their students outside of class. He always does his best to make us laugh and feel happy, and has created a safe and open space for us to talk about and solve our problems. He is also open about his own struggles, whether it be time management or mental health, and helps us realize that having mental health issues don’t make us a bad person. Our flaws, whether they be under our control or not, are what make us human. He is a genuinely nice human being that believes music can help connect and strengthen the world, and even after only having a class with him for about two semesters total so far, I’m tempted to believe him.
Dolan is a father figure to many students, and always a advocating for them. He’s goofy and hilarious yet takes things seriously. He is always there when his students need him and do whatever it takes to support them. He’s a younger teacher and has only been teaching choir for 5 years at Milwaukie high school and Milwaukie academy of the arts. It would mean everyone to Dolan and his students for him to be nominated.
Bill Rutherford
Mr. Rutherford has been teaching in Pasco County school district in Florida, for almost 30 years. Most of his career being at Gulf High School. He is an extraordinary teacher, bringing music, love and plenty of “dad jokes” to his class every day. The students light up when they see him and Mr. Rutherford will always be there to help when a student or colleague is in need. Having grown up in Pasco County, I have known Mr. Rutherford for quite a long time. Although I went to a different high school, he still knew my name and brightened my days whenever I saw him as a teenager and now even more so as a colleague. His band is a place for everyone to feel welcome, learn and grow. Mr. Rutherford serves the “whole student” not just the musician inside and for that I’m sure his students are forever grateful. Over the years he has become not only a phenomenal music educator, but a pillar of the community in our little historic town.
Eric Christenson
This man is the “Mr. Holland” of Shakopee Highschool. He joined the dwindling band program as a young teacher and has seen it through some pretty amazing growth (and growing pains) in the last nearly 25 years. His passion for music and music education is unsurpassed and I am honored to have learned under him.
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