Music Teachers Honored by Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

Posted in News on April 17, 2006

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF), a non-profit organization that supports music education programs in schools across the country, honored six outstanding teachers at the 5th Annual MHOF Teacher Awards held recently at Carnegie Hall in New York City. BMI's Doreen Ringer Ross, who serves as MHOF Board president, was on hand at the event, which recognizes music teachers who best demonstrate the spirit and dedication of "Mr. Holland" portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in the 1995 hit movie, Mr. Holland's Opus. News personality Jane Pauley presented the $10,000 awards.

Shown after the presentation are (seated) MHOF Teachers Award recipients Mary Manceaux, Michael Genevay, Beverly Noell, Richard Bell and Shelli Jackson; (standing) MHOF Board member Charles Peltz, MHOF Trustee Robert Urband, MHOF Board member Marty Albertson, MHOF Board president/BMI VP Doreen Ringer Ross, Michael Kamen's daughter Zoe Kamen, MHOF Board members Gabriel Kosakoff and Andrea Kaiser, MHOF Board VP Bob Ezrin, award presenter Jane Pauley, MHOF Board members Andrea Farbman and Simeon Loring, MHOF Executive Director Felice Mancini, MHOF Teachers Award recipient Richard Riccardi and MHOF Programs Director Tricia Steel. Photo by Steve J. Sherman

Winners were chosen by a special selection committee formed by the Foundation on the following criteria: instilling a love of music in their students through instrumental music instruction in grades K-12; having the passion, dedication and leadership skills to persevere under difficult circumstances; giving generously of their time, energy and talent, and exceeding what is expected of music educators; demonstrating creativity regardless of availability of instruments, materials, classroom space and budget limitations; inspiring students and challenging them to attain the highest level of musicianship; and encouraging musical growth through ongoing individual and group performance, auditions and evaluations.

Founded in 1996 by the film's composer, the late Michael Kamen, the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation supports music education and its many benefits through the donation and repair of musical instruments to under-served schools, community music programs and individual students nationwide.

SOURCENews TAGS Artists Michael Kamen Richard Riccardi