Latest news with #GrammyMusicEducatorAward
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Humbling and exciting': Sullivan interim band director up for Grammy award
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — A music teacher in Central Illinois is up for a nationwide nomination for his talents in music and teaching. Mattoon's Christopher Keniley is officially a quarter finalist for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award. He took over leadership of the Sullivan band program after tragedy struck last year and kept the music steady through sorrow. PREVIOUSLY: Sullivan band director identified as man who died in IL 121 crash 'Really just beyond words,' Keniley said. 'That's quite an honor just to be considered for that.' It's said that music endures, and after a tragedy, Christopher Keniley had made sure that continued in Sullivan. 'We had to face a lot of hardships. I mean, the passing of the late Aaron Jones like that, that was harsh,' Keniley added. 'I mean, that was for the entire community.' In August, the former band director, 26-year-old Aaron Jones, died in a car crash. 'That would have been the forever director,' Keniley said. 'Just even still thinking back at that, it's just it's wild.' It was Keniley who helped stabilize the program this past year as the interim band director for grades 6-12. 3.3 magnitude earthquake wakes up part of Central Illinois 'To find different ways to embrace music and the culture of music and get out there in the community and say, hey, like we're going to honor him,' Keniley added. And now, he's being recognized for his leadership. He's one of 200 teachers from 180 cities around the country nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award. And his students had one big question upon learning about the nomination. 'Their reaction was like, 'Wait, so if you win, you get to meet Taylor Swift?'' Keniley said. For the interim educator who kept the music playing, it's an honor worthy of his impact. 'Sullivan has been through a lot this past year, and so it's just humbling and exciting to see that what I have done this past year has made a huge difference,' Keniley said. As the school year gets closer to its end, so does Christopher's time as interim band director. But it's his hope to leave a gift as he leaves. The winner of the Grammy Educator Award will also secure a grant for their school. The semifinalists get announced in September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ocoee High School band director makes history as schools first band director nominated for Grammy
Inside the band room at Ocoee High School, jazz, classical, and marching tunes fill the air, and at the helm of it all is a man who has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping young musicians. Ocoee High music director and recent finalist for the prestigious Grammy Music Educator Award, Bernie Hendricks Jr. 'This is fun, my job is fun. I'm nominated for an award for a job I love to do,' said Hendricks. Hendricks was one of ten finalists selected from thousands of nominees. The Grammy Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum, recognizes teachers who have made a lasting impact in music education. Read: 9 Investigates: Central Florida woman faces homelessness as Social Security delays disability payout Sunday, the winner was announced and although Hendricks did not win the final award, the outpouring of love from his students and the community proved that his impact reaches far beyond any accolade. Hendricks started his journey 28 years ago at Robinswood Middle School, where he first introduced students to the power of music. It was then he learned music education was more than just teaching notes—it was about nurturing confidence, discipline, and resilience. Read: Disney's Q1 Earnings Hit by Hurricanes, But Company Remains Optimistic Amid Challenges 'It's a responsibility, not only as a black man, but a black band director. It's a responsibility to show these young people,' said Hendricks. When Ocoee High School opened in 2005, Hendricks was chosen to spearhead the music department, building it from the ground up. Under his leadership, the program grew into one of the most respected in Central Florida, producing award-winning ensembles and musicians who have gone on to perform at the collegiate and professional levels. At Ocoee High, where 85.2% of the student body is from minority backgrounds, Hendricks saw his role as more than just a teacher but a mentor, motivator, and role model. Read: Researchers study Central Florida alligators to improve human health 'They deserve to have every opportunity that we can give them. And if it happens to be training up a kid, the kid may not be the smartest, but they play the breaks off of their tuba, then let's find a way to get this kid to college so he can [go] do something successful. That's the passion for what we do,' Hendricks said. The day after the Grammy winner announcement, Hendricks posted on social media thanking everyone for their support and congratulating the winner. Read: Port Canaveral leaders preparing for strong cruise demand 'It truly is an honor coming from over 2000 applications! Congratulations to ALL of the finalists, and a HUGE Thank You to the Grammy Museum and Foundation for not only the recognition but also [for] creating this platform and advocating for Music/Arts Education in our schools.' said Hendricks He told Channel 9′s Daryl Matthews regardless of the outcome of the votes he wanted to have a barbeque and celebrate the accomplishment, and just to make it as a finalist shows the impact of his role as a leader on campus is not lost. Grammy or not, his students, Ocoee staff, and the Ocoee community know the truth: Mr. Hendricks is more than an educator. He's a legend. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
