OFFICIAL RULES
View a copy of the offical rules here.
MEET THE FINALISTS
Francisco Borja
"He has transformed the group from a bunch of people who play music at the same time to a cohesive ensemble."
Director of Bands and Mariachi, Timberline PK8
Artistic Director and Conductor, Longmont Concert Band
Sparks a Love of Music
Uses real-world imagery and analogies to transform a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing ensemble invited to Carnegie Hall.
Supports the Music Education Community
Dedicated mentor who conducts workshops and provides bilingual instruction (English/Spanish) to support diverse demographics of educators.
Community Involvement
Director of the Longmont Concert Band (100 members); bridges generations by integrating high schoolers into volunteer community ensembles.
Francisco Borja
"He has transformed the group from a bunch of people who play music at the same time to a cohesive ensemble."
Director of Bands and Mariachi, Timberline PK8
Artistic Director and Conductor, Longmont Concert Band
Sparks a Love of Music
Uses real-world imagery and analogies to transform a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing ensemble invited to Carnegie Hall.
Supports the Music Education Community
Dedicated mentor who conducts workshops and provides bilingual instruction (English/Spanish) to support diverse demographics of educators.
Community Involvement
Director of the Longmont Concert Band (100 members); bridges generations by integrating high schoolers into volunteer community ensembles.
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Phyllis Calderon
"She makes music feel accessible and meaningful... she encourages students to creatively play from their heart."
Founder, A Touch of Classical Plus – Calderon Music Studio, Chicago, IL
Sparks a Love of Music
Encourages students to find their voice; promotes creativity by asking students to write their own music rather than just reading notes.
Supports the Music Education Community
20-year veteran and lifelong learner; brings in outside specialists (guitar/brass) to meet the evolving musical interests of her studio.
Community Involvement
Facilitates "jam sessions" and encourages parent-child performance, making music an accessible, family-wide community activity.
Agnes Chu
"She celebrates every success, no matter how small, and meets setbacks with encouragement, positivity, and grace."
Private Teacher, Irvine, CA.
Sparks a Love of Music
Helps students with severe anxiety "bloom" and build the confidence to perform at major venues like Carnegie Hall.
Supports the Music Education Community
High-level mentor for the Certificate of Merit (CM) program; guides students through complex theory and high-stakes technical mastery.
Community Involvement
Hosts creative, themed recitals that turn technical study into a joyful communal celebration of persistence and hard work.
Luis Corpus
"He has fostered a truly transformative, safe, and inspiring sanctuary... his domain is truly a safe space for his students."
Band Director, Lamar Middle School Fine Arts Academy, Austin, TX
Sparks a Love of Music
Created a "safe haven" where students choose to arrive early for rehearsals. Teaches that convergence of talent and effort leads to exponential growth.
Supports the Music Education Community
Established a renowned talent pipeline; collaborates with elementary feeders and high schools to ensure seamless student transitions.
Community Involvement
Equity champion; advocates for students regardless of background to ensure private lesson access and belonging for all families.
Rebekah Lindsley
"She doesn’t just teach music; she works magic... she is a powerful force for good at our school."
Choir Director, Mountain Ridge Junior High, UT
Sparks a Love of Music
Ignites passion using choreography, props, and songwriting, managing five choirs with a unique blend of fun and technical rigor.
Supports the Music Education Community
Cross-departmental leader supporting Band, Orchestra, and Drama. Mentors fellow teachers by sharing pedagogical resources and insights.
Community Involvement
Volunteers to lead a Community Choir for parents and alumni, proving that musical expression is a lifelong pursuit.
Joel Bracero
"He taught me that the AP score didn't matter as long as I had learned something during that year... he lives music."
AP Music, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Choir Director, TASIS Dorado, Puerto Rico
Sparks a Love of Music
Teaches that value is found in artistic connection rather than AP scores. Fosters a culture where students feel "honest to themselves" through music.
Supports the Music Education Community
Collaborated with students to build a choir program from the ground up at TASIS Dorado, creating a blueprint for new performance outlets.
Community Involvement
Builds immediate belonging for "outsiders" and new students by trusting them with leadership roles like emceeing school concerts.
Isabella Mendes
"For having known her, I'm a better musician and a better person... she was determined to see the beauty in every silly thing I brought her."
IMMusic Studio, CT
Sparks a Love of Music
Encourages young composers to write their own compositions and perform them at recitals, making their contributions feel professional.
Supports the Music Education Community
Structural engineer turned musician; uses analytical "diagnosis" to tailor individual pedagogy to different learning styles.
Community Involvement
Organizes group lessons to turn music into a social activity and help students overcome the common barrier of performance anxiety.
J. Andrew Miller
"Somehow, Andrew manages to spark a love for music in our three-year-old while simultaneously holding older students accountable for the highest level."
South Side Suzuki, Chicago, IL
Sparks a Love of Music
Brings "child wonder" to the violin, engaging toddlers as young as 2 while keeping advanced teens motivated with playful rigor.
Supports the Music Education Community
Master of the Suzuki Method; hosts parent classes to extend pedagogy into the home and educate the entire family system.
Community Involvement
Exceptional "community builder" who integrates new students into performance groups, helping them become better musical citizens.
James Robinson
"He is a mentor who recognizes potential before the students see it in themselves, making him the ideal recipient."
Sparks a Love of Music
A champion for small rural schools; proves that even in small settings, students can achieve world-class artistic growth.
Supports the Music Education Community
Splits time between middle and high schools with grace. Significantly raised performance scores and ensemble quality under his leadership.
Community Involvement
Mentor who helps students find their voice; empowered a timid freshman to perform a vocal solo that changed her entire confidence level.
Band Director, North Wilkes Middle School and North Wilkes High School, NC.
Chelsey Sweatman
"Mrs. Sweatman is able to make even the most timid singer feel more confident... she is more like family to me than a teacher."
Sparks a Love of Music
Makes even the most timid singers feel powerful. Described as "family" by students who look forward to her energy daily.
Supports the Music Education Community
Integrates professional acting clinics into choir through Playhouse in the Park. Leads ensembles to consistent top contest ratings.
Community Involvement
Builds confidence by putting students first; celebrates "Spark" every step of the way, turning performance into personal strength.
Bridgetown Middle School Choir Director, Oak Hills Local School District, Cincinnati, OH
OUR 2026 SPARK AWARD WINNER
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