Band and orchestra teachers are certainly among those striving to
create harmony in this unusual school year. Palm Beach Symphony is asking students, parents, colleagues
and members of the community for their help to recognize the outstanding 2020 Instrument Teacher of the
Year by filling out a brief nomination form before the deadline of November 1 at 5 p.m.
Open to K-12 educators in Palm Beach County with a minimum of three years’ experience, the annual award
recognizes educators who take an active role in the community as performing arts educators as well as
demonstrate an ability to teach and inspire students.
“Last season, Palm Beach Symphony increased the hours of music education it offered in the community by
42% over the prior year including year-long residencies at Palm Beach Elementary and Palm Beach Gardens
High School,” said Palm Beach Symphony CEO David H. McClymont. “The instrumental music teachers in
Palm Beach make a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of their students and this award is always one
of the highlights of my year.”
The winner will be honored at a virtual awards ceremony in December 2020. In addition to a “Basket of
Indulgences” containing gift items and local gift certificates, the honor comes with many educational
opportunities with the Symphony, which will be scheduled at a time in accordance with the guidance of local,
state and CDC officials. They include coaching sessions by Palm Beach Symphony musicians for spring
semester music students, a classroom visit by Symphony Music Director Gerard Schwarz, invitation for a
student music ensemble of the winning teacher’s choice to perform at a Palm Beach Symphony event and
complimentary tickets for the winner’s classes to attend a Palm Beach Symphony concert.
Teachers can be nominated for such things as their outstanding instructional technique, ability to nurture
talent and capacity for connecting with their students. Submissions that meet all eligibility requirements will
be reviewed by a panel of judges that includes musicians, industry professionals and other educators in Palm
Beach County.
Complete details and the nomination form are available in the programs tab under music education at
PalmBeachSymhony.org.
