Local Music Teacher Wins Prestigious State Award

Hope Elementary School music teacher and handbell director Sharon Evans has received the California Association of Music Educators (CMEA) Peripole-Bergerault State General Music Educator Award, honoring excellence in general classroom music education. It is one of the CMEA’s highest Statewide awards. 

The 2012 CMEA award was not only completely unexpected, but particularly noteworthy, Evans confides. “I learned of the award while undergoing treatment for a serious health issue. It provided a great boost to my spirit,” she says.

This marks the second consecutive CMEA award for Evans, who has taught music since 1983 and served at Hope since 2004. Last year, she received the regional Outstanding General Music Educator Award, Southern Border Section, for inspiring students to the highest levels of music education, appreciation and performance. She also won the 2011 San Diego County Office of Education’s FORTISSIMO Choice Award, becoming one of only three people ever to receive this recognition. She received her plaque at an awards banquet on Feb. 17, 2012 held during the CMEA conference in Fresno.

Evans is a strong believer in the multi-leveled power of music. She relates, “One night after the last concert of the year, a parent and fellow teacher told me how proud he was of his son’s accomplishments. He said his son’s experiences in my classroom enabled him to grow as a person. It built up his self-esteem and confidence, allowing him to stretch far beyond his perceived abilities; in music, academics and life. Hearing this made all of my teaching efforts worthwhile.”

–Press Release from CUSD

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