KDFC is dedicated to supporting music education in schools. There’s no better example than our annual celebration of music teachers – the mentors making a difference, through music, in classrooms throughout the Bay Area. With a thank you to the hundreds of students, peers and parents who nominated their own local heroes, KDFC is proud to announce the 9th annual Music Educator of the Year:
Vicki Wyant, Redwood Middle School, Saratoga
-Nominated by Ann Burns
Vicki encourages and develops middle school students to discover a love of music and participation, whether it be band, orchestra, color guard, choir or all of the above. She continually reminds us parents that middle school is the time to try things and makes it possible for our children to try it all. She takes the students to competitions to see other programs and makes it fun. She teaches the essential skills of life, not just music - be committed to something, be on time, be your best, and of course, practice, practice, practice!
KDFC will donate $1,000 to the music program at Redwood Middle School.
2008 Award Finalists:
Norman Dea, Las Lomas High School, Walnut Creek
-Nominated by Robin Travenick
Mr. Dea demands the highest level of achievement from his students. He inspires them to reach beyond their limits to perform challenging, sophisticated and difficult music. Mr. Dea expects discipline and commitment from his students while balancing these expectations with humor and generosity. He prepares them for a world where they will be judged on their ability alone and must be prepared to give nothing short of their best. As a result, his students are high achievers both inside and outside of the classroom. Mr. Dea has made a difference in the lives of his students for twenty five years and deserves to be recognized for his selfless contribution to California education.
Bonnie Duffey, Bay Farm and Franklin Elementary, Alameda
-Nominated by Lorri Garrett
In light of the recent budget cuts, Bonnie has stepped up and helped the Alameda PTA Council plan 4 separate events to raise money to save the Alameda Unified District's Elementary School music programs that will be cut next year. She has spent hours brainstorming with and motivating parents and teachers to fix this problem that we have been throw into. She has kept a smile on her face for the students, not knowing if she will teach them again next year. She has inspired me as a parent and helped me realize how valuable a music education is to all children, and all cultures. The kids call her Miss Bonnie, and she is loved by all.
Kevin Gallagher, Hillsdale High School, San Mateo
-Nominated by Lorin Wilson
Kevin is an outstanding teacher. I know, because I am the Middle School Band teacher sending students to his school. I receive great reports from former students and parents about the level of musicianship he is creating through excellent teaching and high expectations. This is proven not only by numerous outstanding awards and recognitions the groups continue to receive, but also in the numerous high level of performance opportunities created for the students in both the school and community. Between all the school groups and extra-curricular groups, Mr. G’s had 15 concerts during the month of January alone. He hosted the California Music Educators Band Festival and also a serves in an advisory capacity for students helping with academic as well as personal and interpersonal issues. He begins each day before school with Jazz Band and continues during many weekends with events like the Festival. Mr. G’s outstanding work with students developing them into outstanding musicians
Paul Yonemura, Hoover Middle School, San Francisco
-Nominated by Andrew Nygard
Paul has been an inspirational leader and role model for the HMS band for the past five years. Both my daughters have flourished under his guidance and encouragement, one making music her goal and passion and through his support gaining entrance to SFSOTA, the other gaining confidence and skills though his challenging her to perform in ensembles to match her skills to the others around her. Paul has built Hoover’s music program to include a top notch Jazz Band, and has taken that music program. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a group of talented musicians performing at a senior home; the looks on the aged faces, as these young and talented musicians under Paul’s expert tutelage performed, was amazing. His drive and passion are contagious. He builds better musicians, and better people as a result. For everything he does, the extra hours he devotes to exciting and building young musicians, Paul should be recognized as Music Educator of the Year.
KDFC salutes the previous Music Educators of the Year:
2007 Bryan Holbrook, Hayward High School
2006 John Mattern, Redwood High School, Corte Madera
2005 Sara Lomax, Tierra Linda Middle School, San Carlos
2004 Jesse Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Berkeley
2003 Doug Pleasure, Washington High School, San Francisco
2002 Robert Geary, Piedmont Choirs, Oakland
2001 Joni Swenson, Lincoln High School, San Jose
2000 William R. Williams, Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra
