For Immediate Release:  October 6, 2011

 

Florida Music Educator Association (FMEA) Names

Brevard County Schools and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra Fifth Grade Concert as the

2012 FMEA Innovative Project of the Year

 

 

VIERA, FLORIDA - The Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Awards Committee has selected Cindy Johnson, Brevard County Schools Resource Teacher, as the recipient of the 2012 FMEA Innovative Project Award.  Fran Delisle, Executive Director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, will also be recognized. The FMEA Awards and Recognition Program is one of the more visible ways in which FMEA can recognize those who make outstanding contributions to music education throughout the state.  The program strives to identify and honor these esteemed individuals from throughout the state of Florida. 

The FMEA Innovative Project Award recognizes individuals or groups for meritorious, innovative programs or projects completed in the field of music education. Projects may include music education programs or projects that:

•      provide or continue to provide innovative and effective music education with a significant, positive impact on students, music educators and/or the state/community

•      elevate music/arts education advocacy or awareness

•      provide beneficial workshop opportunities for students or educators

•      improve music educator effectiveness

•      provide relevant research to the field of music education

•      provide effective community opportunities related to music education

•      provide school improvement as related to music education

•      provide effective multicultural or interdisciplinary opportunities

 

The Brevard County School Board, partnering with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (BSO), with support from local businesses and foundations, offers a free symphonic concert at the Maxwell King Performing Arts Center in Melbourne, Florida each February for all 5^th grade public school students and their music specialists in Brevard County.  The concert is also open to private and home school students.  Four performances are scheduled over a 2-day period to accommodate 7,000 Brevard County 5^th grade students.

A Curriculum Guide is developed for music teachers and all 5^th grade classroom teachers to integrate all learning aspects of a symphony performance, from biographies of the composers, seating within the orchestra, performance etiquette, to listening skills, resources and related activities.  The information is further developed into cross curricular lesson plans, complete with musical examples.  The project prepares the students for what may be their first symphonic performance.  The Curriculum Guide materials incorporate the New Generation Sunshine State Standards and connections to FCAT curriculums.

Cindy Johnson, National Board Certified Teacher, is the Music Resource Teacher for Brevard County Schools.  Prior to her appointment to her present position, Mrs. Johnson was the Chorus and Orchestra director at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Rockledge, Florida.  She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and has continued her education through programs at Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and The New York Metropolitan Opera Company. Mrs. Johnson earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University.

            FMEA member, Ree Nathan, a 34 year veteran music teacher for Brevard Schools retired from teaching in 2009 that remains active as a choral adjudicator, music mentor, volunteer and clinician, nominated Cindy Johnson on behalf of the FMEA and Brevard Schools. 

            Cindy Johnson will receive the FMEA Innovative Project Award during the FMEA Clinic/Conference at the Tampa Bay Convention Center in January.  An Awards Breakfast is planned for January 13, 2012 where Mrs. Johnson will be given this prestigious award. 

            For additional information contact:  Ree Nathan, 321-961-2350 or reenathan@bellsouth.net