NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
May 20, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Grammy in the Schools
Steve Acciani Honored as Grammy Finalist
DIAMOND BAR, CA— Diamond Bar High instrumental music director Steve Acciani was honored by The Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation as a 2015 Music Educator Award finalist on May 18.
Grammy Foundation and Ford Motor Company officials presented a $1,000 honorarium to “Mr. A.,” as he is known, and a matching grant to the school’s music program during the year-end orchestra concert.
“The Grammy Foundation supports quality music education in schools,” said Grammy Executive Education Director David Sears.
A total of 10 music teachers around the nation were recognized for their remarkable impact on students’ lives.
Sears noted that Diamond Bar High also claimed the prestigious 2014 Grammy National Signature School award.
The Music Educator Award, now in its second year, gives everyone involved with music programs an opportunity to nominate a favorite music teacher.
In total, more than 7,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.
“Mr. Acciani is one of the most selfless and dedicated music instructors not only in the state of California, but in the nation,” said Principal Catherine Real.
The honorariums and grants provided to the finalists and schools are made possible by the generosity and support of the GRAMMY Foundation's Education Champions Converse, Disney Performing Arts, Ford Motor Company Fund, Journeys, and Microsoft.
“It’s such a privilege to be part of events like this,” said Dee Dee Boykin, representing the Ford Motor Company Fund at the event.
“We get tremendous support from our school board, site administration and this wonderful school district and community,” commented Acciani.
The music teacher also credits numerous professional musicians who work with students on campus.
“Because of that, we’ve seen great results in terms of individual playing,” Acciani added.
Elite Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra musicians have been named to honor ensembles each year.
Chamber music opportunities are provided, including a flute choir showcased at the event.
Specialty groups are also sought out for professional performances.
“We make sure that everyone here is committed to our students and their education, that they are passionate about music, and about our students,” Acciani said.
“Diamond Bar has been able to allow students to go ‘above and beyond’ a regular high school experience,” Acciani said.
He proudly introduced two star musicians who took the baton during the concert.
Senior Wil Nazareno conducted Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez and DBHS graduate and student teacher Jacob Hamilton conducted Slaval by Leonard Bernstein with the Wind Ensemble.
Shown:
Steve Acciani was honored as a Grammy Music Educator finalist on May 18. Shown: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Harold, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Matthew Witmer, Grammy Executive Education Director David Sears, Instrumental Music Director Steve Acciani, Board Member Larry Redinger, Board Member Cindy Ruiz, Board Member Helen Hall, Principal Catherine Real, Ford Motor Company Fund’s Dee Dee Boykin.
A Grammy Celebration! Shown: Principal Catherine Real, Grammy Foundation Executive Education Director David Sears, Instrumental Music Director Steve Acciani, and Ford Motor Company’s Dee Dee Boykin.