Lisa Bianconi, Music Director at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, has been chosen as one of 25 semifinalists from across the U.S. for the first-ever Music Educator Award presented by the Grammy Foundation® and the Recording Academy®. The 25 semifinalists, music teachers from 24 cities across 15 states were officially announced on September 11. In total, more than 30,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states. Bianconi is the only nominee from New England to make it to the semifinals.
The Grammy Music Educator Award was established to recognize current music educators from K-college, in both public and private schools, who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools. The award will have its inaugural presentation during Grammy Week in February, 2014.
In May, Bianconi learned that she was one of 217 music teachers in total, and one of three nominees from Vermont, who had been chosen as quarterfinalists. The 25 semifinalists were then chosen based on an essay submission, video footage of actual teaching sessions, and testimonials from students and colleagues.
After a several-month wait, on Tuesday morning, Lisa Bianconi received a phone call from Kellyn Robison of the Grammy Foundation letting her know the exciting news. “I am deeply honored to be recognized by this award,” Bianconi said “The support of Kurn Hattin’s staff and students over the past twenty-eight years has been amazing. They have allowed me to spread the joy of music, and I’m so thankful to teach here.”
Kurn Hattin Homes’ Co-Executive Director, Connie Sanderson, nominated Bianconi for the award. Sanderson said, “When you see Lisa’s passion for teaching children and using music as a tool to make a difference in their lives, it seems natural that she would be chosen as a semifinalist. She creates an educational environment that is infused with excitement and she brings out the best in every child.”
The past year included several landmark performances for the Kurn Hattin Select Choir under Bianconi’s direction, including appearing on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster and winning top children’s gospel performer in Western New England public television member station WGBY’s “Together in Song” choral competition. The Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble performed for the first time at the Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington, VT. The Kurn Hattin Marching Band will perform at the Big E in Springfield, MA. on September 27.
Music has played an essential role in life at Kurn Hattin since the school’s beginnings over a century ago. Today, all 105 students participate in one or more aspects of the music program, and all students in grades 4-8 learn and perform on band instruments. The children perform over thirty public concerts in an academic year, and Kurn Hattin also hosts annual invitational concerts attended by jazz bands and choruses from area schools.
Established in 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vermont is a charitable, year-round home and school for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who are affected by tragedy and social or economic hardship. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org
