By CLTure News
December 14, 2020 (updated)
Two North Carolina teachers have been nominated for the 2021 Grammy Music Educator Award. From the nearly 2,000 applications submitted, two UNCG graduates and current teachers at Northwest Guilford High School, Donald Walter and Brian McMath have emerged as two of the 10 finalists for the prestigious prize.
Recognizing active educators making a significant and lasting contribution to music education, the winner will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school’s music program.
Brian McMath, the director of bands at Northwest Guilford High School and educator for 24 years, was also a recipient of the NC Teaching Hero Award in 2019. Under McMath’s direction, the school’s concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble have stood out at regional and state festivals.
Donald Walter, who teaches orchestra at Northwest Guilford Middle School and Northwest Guilford High School has grown enrollment in band and orchestra to more than 360 students overseeing the expansion of the program according to the school’s website. In 2015, Walter was named the Guilford County Schools Arts Educator of the Year and the NCMEA Orchestra Section Western Region Orchestra Director of the Year.
The Music Educator Award recipient will be announced during Grammy week. Nominate a teacher for the 2022 Grammy Music Educator Award.
Update 1/6/2021: The 2021 Grammys have been rescheduled for March 14.
Check out more on the Grammy Music Educator Award and 2020 winner Mickey Smith Jr.
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