Annie Ray Named Finalist for the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award!
Annie Ray, FCPS Secondary Teacher of the Year, was named as a finalist for the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! This annual honor recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who also demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools. The 10 finalists, who hail from nine states, were selected from more than 2,000 initial nominations submitted from across all 50 U.S. states. The winner will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school's music program.
Annie is known for her passion, skill, and belief that every student can achieve greatness. During the pandemic, she went above and beyond to keep her students engaged by leading orchestra curriculum development and providing drive-through support and outdoor practices. Her dedication paid off as Annandale's orchestra program flourished. During this time, Annie founded Crescendo Orchestra, which serves students in our CAT B program. In addition, she was a founder of the FCPS Parent Orchestra. Her impact and dedication have made a positive difference in the school community.
We have highlighted Annie’s incredible impact many times, especially her work with our students with severe disabilities. If you have not seen her Ted Talk, The Sound of Success, the FCPS feature It's Never Too Late: Parent Orchestra Teaches New Skills and Brings Families Closer Together, or read this Washington Post article, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check them out. She truly is an inspiration, and we are so proud of her.
The winner will be announced next Thursday, February 1 at 8:00am on CBS Mornings with Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson.
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Annie Ray Leads FCPS Parent Orchestra: The FCPS Parent Orchestra is the brainchild of Annandale High School orchestra teacher Annie Ray, who started the group five years ago. It’s grown every year, and it’s now so popular there’s a waitlist to join. Ray says the demand is high because parents are often stumped when a child brings home a new instrument. They have four levels of Orchestras for all ability levels - from those with no musical experience to those who played through high school! Simply show up with either your personal or your child’s instrument and be ready to learn and play! You can learn more about the Parent Orchestra program here.
Annie Ray, Orchestra Director, Publishes TEDx Talk: Last year, Orchestra Director Annie Ray delivered a TED Talk, “The Sound of Success,” at the TEDx event, Reverb, in Washington D.C. Annie’s talk has been published on the TED website. Check it out to see the incredible work she has done to make music accessible to all of our students!
Annie Ray Featured in the Washington Post: A teacher hoped to connect with students with disabilities. She found a way through music. Check out the article here.
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