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Maury River Middle School band director Matt Schucker has been dedicated to helping students grow through music for 17 years. In February, he was selected for the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director’s Association District 5 Educator of the Year award.
“We have so many fantastic people and music educators in our district that it’s honestly a bit overwhelming to be chosen for something like this,” Shucker told The News-Gazette. “I am very thankful for the recognition; it’s extremely meaningful to me.”
To designate the Educator of the Year, music directors from the 42 schools of the district nominate a teacher that they believe demonstrates admirable teaching, service, and music education, Schucker noted. Former winners of the award form a committee and choose the award recipient for the school year.
At the 2022-2023 All-District Band concert, Shucker said, “the committee – unbeknownst to me – had my wife walk out on stage to present the award, which was a really great surprise!”
Throughout his 17 years at MRMS, Shucker has conducted the eighth-grade band, the seventh-grade band, and beginning band. Outside of regular school hours, Shucker teaches jazz band, helps students that need extra support, and hosts events, he said.
Each year, Schucker hosts All-Area Honor Band auditions at MRMS where approximately 150 students from 10-15 regional schools come to compete. To help judge the event, Schucker invites and collaborates with 25 college graduates majoring in music.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done for the district, especially creating and overseeing the first district jazz honor band in the state,” Schucker said.
Schucker continued, “I feel fortunate to be able to work with the students of Rockbridge County every year and [I] really enjoy watching them grow as people through music.”
