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 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
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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
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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:
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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
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Must be an MMEA/NAfME Member at the time of nomination
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Must be a Maryland music educator who has taught a minimum of six years (career teacher) or one year (new teacher).
Leadership Criteria
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Consistently produces/produced music groups of high-performance level.
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Consistently performs/performed programs of high musical quality.
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Has made an outstanding contribution to the community and to the state through music.
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Has made outstanding contributions to the improvement of music groups in Maryland through participation and leadership in professional organizations.
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Must have had student participation in honors performing groups such as All County or All State groups when appropriate.
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Has hosted student teachers, meetings, festivals and/or presented workshops, clinics, adjudicated or guest conducted ensemble groups.
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Has written articles for various music journals and/or participated in curriculum work.
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Maintains/maintained contact with feeder schools where applicable and encourages students to continue their music education.
Professional Growth Criteria
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Continues to improve knowledge by enrolling in education courses for advanced degrees by attending workshops, in-service programs, clinics etc.
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Has been recognized by area organizations, school PTA or community groups.
Human Relations Criteria
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Demonstrates/demonstrated a caring attitude toward students and serves as an excellent role model.
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Has received letters in their personnel file from students, colleagues, parents, and/or supervisor/administrator relating to contributions to the growth of students.
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Demonstrates/demonstrated the ability to inspire students to learn.
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Encourages and helps students to build self-esteem and confidence.
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Works cooperatively with total school staff, parents, and community.
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Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their teaching.
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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
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Increased time allotment for students in the music programs.
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Expansion of the music program in the school/district as a result of the administrator’s efforts.
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Student or school recognition or awards for achievement in music.
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Advocating for music and arts education in the school and community.
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Financial commitment to the music programs in the school or district.
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Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community.
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Strong leadership, good school management, and good rapport with educators, parents, and students.
MMEA Exemplary Music Program Award
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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
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Outstanding curriculum, program goals & objectives, unique materials & teaching strategies.
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Strong student participation in music programs and honor ensembles.
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Innovative teaching strategies and materials
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Support for the music program on the part of the local administration and/or the board of education.
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Exemplifies diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community?
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Community involvement and support, such as: number of students involved in community musical organizations, parental involvement, and community recognition
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The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
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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
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Demonstrated connection to music education in Maryland.
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Significant contributions to the music education of Maryland’s youth.
The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service
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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
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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
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A teacher or administrator in Maryland who displayed excellence and dedication in teaching or administration over the course of their career.
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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
AWARDS SCORING RUBRIC
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Frühere Preisträger
Hervorragender Musikpädagoge*
2020
Andrea Cameron, Robert Frost Middle School, Montgomery County
Carol Cox, Bodkin Grundschule, Anne Arundel County
Jana Davis Hobbs, Wicomico High School, Wicomico County
Allen Kessell, Franklin High School, Baltimore County
2019
Sarah Burton, North Salisbury Elementary School, Bennett Middle School, Parkside High School, James M. Bennett High School, Wicomico County
Emily James, South Shore Grundschule, Anne Arundel County
Randine Levy, Roberto Clemente Middle School, Montgomery County
David Matchim, Centennial High School, Howard County
Lisa Adams, Berliner Mittelschule, Worcester County
2018
Kenneth Dasher, Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Wicomico County
Paul Heinemann, Rocky Hill Middle School, Montgomery County
Anne Marie Patterson, Theodore Davis Mittelschule, Charles County
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr., Glassmanor Grundschule, Prince Georges County
James Woomert, Atholton High School, Howard County
2017
Shannon-Tag
Lewis Dutrow
Doug Miles
Lynn Staininger
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Hervorragender Schuladministrator*
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2020 - John Taylor, Cabin John Middle School, Montgomery County
2019 - Matthew Record, Pocomoke Middle School, Worcester County
2018 - Jazmin G. Lawhorn, Crofton Grundschule, Anne Arundel County
2017 - Chris Rattay
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Beispielhaftes MMEA/NAfME-Musikprogramm*
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2020 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Prince George's County
2018 - Homestead-Wakefield-Grundschule, Harford County
2017 - Ellicott Mills Middle School, Howard County
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Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
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Rosemary & James Walters Service-Auszeichnung
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MMEA-Ruhmeshalle
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The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
2020 – Todd J. Burroughs
2019 – Scott Herman
2018 – Michael L. Mark
2017 – Anita Lambert
2013 – Nancy S. Grasmick
2012 – C. Nelson Fritts
2011 – Richard J. Deasy
2010 – Katherine A. Rodeffer
2009 – Joan Orcutt
2005 – Linda Patton
2004 – Chris Tuel
2002 – Mary Ellen Cohn
1999 – Barbara F. King
1998 – Phyllis T. Kaplan
1998 – Roger J. Folstrom
1997 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
1996 – Mary Ann Mears
1995 – Rosa Fletcher Crocker
1994 – Karen Douglas
The Rosemary & James Walters Award for Service
2020 - Janet Gross
2017 – Ginny Flynn
2015 – Sally Wagner
2014 – James L. Türk
2013 – Jan Strevig
2012 – Deborah Turner
2011 – Howard L. Miskimon
2011 – Sabra C. Steward
2010 – Mabel Leonore Sawhill
2004 – Richard A. Disharoon
2003 – Chrystie L. Adams
2002 – Thomas W. Fugate
MMEA Hall of Fame
2020 — Charles Haslup (posthum)
2019 – Chris Vadala (posthum)
2018 – Gilbert A. Brungardt (posthum)
2014 – Dana Rothlisberger
2013 – Ray Danner
2012 – Cherie Stellaccio
2012 – C. Scott Sharnetzka
2011 – Lee Stevens
2010 – Bruce D. Wilson
2009 – Leone Y. Woodall
2008 – Richard A. Disharoon
2008 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
2007 – Olivia W. Gutoff
2006 – Mary Ellen Cohn
2006 – John Wakefield
2005 – Barbara F. King
2005 – Michael L. Mark
2004 – Roger J. Folstrom
2004 – Phyllis R. Kaplan
2003 – Schlacht von Leroy
2003 – Glenn Patterson
2000 – Mildred B. Trevvett
1999 – Nancy M. Cook
1999 – Sr. Mary Theresine Staub SSND
1998 – Maurice R. Feldman
1997 – Clarence T. Rogers
1996 – James H. Avampato
1996 – Carmelo J. Palazzo
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Regier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Regier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1993 – Thomas W. Fugate
1993 – C. William Johnson
1993 – Michael Pastelak
1992 – Blanche F. Bowlsbey
1992 – Joseph F. Chalker
1992 – James L. Fisher
1991 – John Fignar jr.
1990 – Robert E. Kersey
1990 – Dorothy S. Pickard
1989 – Alice S. Beer
1989 – Thomas R. Lawrence
1989 – Corwin H. Taylor
1988 – Margaret Black
1988 – Robert S. Bolles
1988 – David Burchuck
1988 – Frances Jackman Civis
1988 – John Cole
1988 – Mary G. Kreuz
1988 – John Denues
1988 – Nicholas Geriak
1988 – Thomas L. Gibson
1988 – Rose Marie Grentzer
1988 – S. Fenton Harris
1988 – Miriam Hoffmann
1988 – Mary M. Hunter
1988 – John Itzel
1988 – Henrietta Baker Low
1988 – Otto Ortmann
1988 – Philip S. Royer
1988 – Osmar Steinwald
1988 – Charles CT Stull
1988 – Eugene W. Troth
1988 – Homer Ulrich
1988 – C. James Velie
1988 – Levi Wilder
1988 – Dorothy Willison
1988 – William Llewelyn Wilson
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