Music Educator of the Year
Each year, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem (OSAS) Board of Directors honors a Salem music teacher by selecting the “MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR”.
The Patrons of Note, a subsidiary membership group of the OSAS, supports this program by raising funds for the award.
The process begins with the nomination of candidates from any area of public classroom music education in the Salem-Keizer School District, including orchestra, band and choral. The nominations are made by the Director of Music for the Salem Keizer Schools, Karl Raschkes.
A committee of OSAS board members may augment the list of nominees. Once the list is set, the committee members observe the teachers in their classroom setting, concerts or other venues. The committee then selects the winner(s).
At the season’s final Oregon Symphony classical concert presented in Salem, the Music Educator of the Year is introduced to the audience, and given a plaque, which is accompanied by a financial award to be used in the recipient’s school.
Past Music Educator of the Year awards
- 2006-07Holly Albertson, Gubser Elementary, General Music
Rosalie Karalekas, Rosedale and Liberty Elementary Schools, General Music - 2005-06Stephen A. Nelson, Director, Sprague High School Orchestra
- 2004-05Paul J. MayhewDirector, McNary High School Choir
- 2003-04Janet Romine, Faye Wright Elementary, General Music
Russ Christensen, Director, Sprague High School Orchestra - 2002-03Mary Lou Boderman, Director, South Salem High School Band
- 2000-01Richard Dalzell, Director, North Salem High School Choir