Music & Arts has announced the winner of the 2015 Music Educator of the Year award.
The new recognition program from the company aims to honor U.S. music educators who exemplify outstanding achievements in music education. This year’s award will be presented to Gordon J. Snyder from Concord, North Carolina. A short award presentation will take place at the Concord Music & Arts store on January 7 at 4 p.m.
Snyder is currently the director of instrumental music for Kannapolis City Schools at A.L. Brown High School where he teaches marching band, jazz band, rock band, and concert band. His music programs have gained notoriety over the years due to his efforts in redefining area high school instrumental curriculums.
”We were looking for a candidate who exemplified innovation and dedication in teaching because we know without these qualities in music educators, our role in helping to support budding musicians would be more challenging,” said Steve Zapf, president, Music & Arts. “We received more than 2,000 nominations for this award and were blown away by the many outstanding educators out there, but Gordon’s accolades and peer references really stood out to us. We’re honored to recognize and present this award to him.”
In addition to an award plaque, the recipient of the 2015 Music Educator of the Year award will receive a $1,000 Music & Arts credit and a feature article published on Music & Art’ blog, The Vault.
“I am grateful to be a teacher and I consider it a privilege to help students learn they can accomplish something bigger than themselves,” said Snyder. “While awards are wonderful, knowing you have changed the way a student sees their world is the true reward. I am humbled to receive this award especially knowing there are other music educators who are equally deserving.”
The company also announced a second and third-place recipient for the award. The second-place winner is Anne Fennell, M.Ed. from Oceanside, CA and the third-place winner is Catherine Humphrey from Plfugerville, TX.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)