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Each year, the California Music Educators Association’s (CMEA) Southern Border Section recognizes Imperial Valley and San Diego County music educators, industry leaders, and school administrators for exceptional work in music education. These “Fortissimo” award winners for the 2021-2022 school year included three music educators and two school principals from San Diego Unified.
The Fortissimo Awards are selected through an open nomination process, followed by a selection process by the CMEA-SBS Executive Board. Awardees at the regional level may also be eligible for the state version of the award next year.
Chaz Cabrera
Chaz Cabrera
SCPA
Paul A. Shaghoain
Jazz Educator Award
This award honors excellence in jazz education and performance. Mr. Cabrera is in his second year of teaching jazz and band for grades 6-12 at SCPA - his alma mater! He also composes and continues to perform on alto saxophone.
Marc Dwyer
Marc Dwyer
Correia Middle School
Middle School Specialist Award
This award honors excellence in middle school instrumental and choral music instruction. Mr. Dwyer, already an award-winning teacher and mentor, has taught band, orchestra, and jazz at Correia Middle School for the past 15 years.
Andrew Rodriguez
Andrew Rodriguez
Bell Middle School
Newcomer Award
This award highlights a new teacher who shows promise and success, and is likely to become more successful in the future. Mr. Rodriguez is in his second year of teaching band, orchestra, and mariachi (a program he began) at Bell Middle School.
Tim Farson
Tim Farson
Principal, SCPA
Outstanding Administrator Award
This award honors a school administrator who has contributed powerfully to the support of music education. Mr. Farson has consistently advocated and fought for the arts at SCPA, seeking the best possible music experiences for his students.
Erik Sullivan
Erik Sullivan
Principal, Challenger Middle School
Outstanding Administrator Award
This award honors a school administrator who has contributed powerfully to the support of music education. Mr. Sullivan has been a strong supporter of the Challenger music program, and was integral in bringing back choir to the campus in the 2021-2022 school year.
Posted Monday, December 6, 2021
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