Stillman  Band Director nominated as RSO Music Educator of Year

Stillman Valley High School’s Director of Bands, Mr. John C. Gelasi, has been nominated as RSO’s Music Educator of the Year.

Mr. Gelasi teaches Wind Symphony, Introduction to Guitar, and Pop Music History at the high school as well as junior high Band and lessons.

“In 2016 the Rockford Symphony Orchestra created the Outstanding Music Educator Award to recognize an outstanding music educator in our community.

Current, full-time educators in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Rock counties who teach music in public or private schools are eligible to be nominated.

Nominees embody the following qualities:

*Demonstrates passion for music education and is a leader in the music education community

* Has a documented successful music education program and his/her school

*Makes a measurable difference in the lives of their students

The Award Winners will be formally announced from the stage of the Coronado at the RSO’s April 29 performance, with a reception to follow the concert.

Mr. Gelasi is in his second year of teaching at Stillman Valley High School and Meridian Junior High. SVHS Principal, Leslie Showers states, “I am so proud to learn that Mr. Gelasi has been honored by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as a nominee for Music Educator of the Year.

“He is an outstanding teacher, who has elevated the quality of music produced by our talented students and breathed life into our instrumental music program.”