The CSO is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2019 Music Educator of the Year Award. One of the finalists will be named the Music Educator of the Year at the orchestra’s MasterWorks concert on March 2. Music Director Gerhardt Zimmermann will present the award on stage at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall. The Finalists are (in alphabetical order):
- Samir Al-Hadid – Marlington Local Schools
- Kristopher Bleininger – Louisville City Schools
- Carrie Chunat – Alliance City Schools
- Heather Cooper – Canton Country Day School
- Linda Davis – Perry Local Schools
- Kelsey Giotta – Plain Local Schools
- Deborah Paulis – Canton City Schools
- Beth Polen – Perry Local Schools
- Danielle Shaub – Lake Local Schools
- Cindy Snyder – North Canton City Schools
Nominations for the award were open from mid-October to December 14, 2018. The nominees must be licensed Music Educators in a public, private or parochial school classroom setting in the area served by the Stark County Educational Service Center. The purpose of the annual event is to promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for music education as well as to honor those individuals who are making a real difference in our community through their dedication to music education. The finalists were selected by a panel of judges representing the orchestra and community.