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Kathleen Jacoby Earns JMU Outstanding Music Educator Award


The JMU School of Music Music Education Area is proud to announce the 2024 JMU Virginia Music Educators Association Awards!


We present this award to a JMU undergraduate or graduate music education alumnus or


alumna who has taught for at least ten years and who exemplifies JMU's commitment to musicianship and pedagogy. The recipient demonstrates:


  • Excellence in music teaching, including the development of comprehensive, innovative programs and curricula

  • Service to and sustained leadership in the profession of music education

  • Continuing relationship with and support of the music education program at JMU


Kathleen Jacoby has taught high school band since graduating JMU in 2004, most recently at Herndon High School for the past 17 years. Kathleen was a 2023 Washington Post "Teacher of the Year" finalist and the 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year. She has served as an elected member of the VBODA Executive Board since 2020. She is a Conn Selmer VIP and a member of Phi Beta Mu. In 2021, she was awarded the WBDI "Scroll of Excellence," and in 2019 the Stars Over Dulles "Leadership in Arts" Dulles Chamber of Commerce designation. In 2014, she received commendations from the Town of Herndon and Fairfax County School Board. In both 2010 and again in 2017, Mrs. Jacoby was recognized by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as "50 Music Teachers to Watch."


Under Kathleen's direction, Herndon represented the United States at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, has twice represented Virginia at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and is the only band to ever perform at the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters. In 2014 and again in 2019, the United States House of Representatives issued a commendation to recognize the outstanding work of The Pride. The Pride performed in the NATO parade in 2018, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade in 2017, the National Cherry Blossom Parade in 2016, Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios in 106, and the Disney Electric Light Parade in April 2014. Mrs. Jacoby coordinates an extensive community network to secure funding for ALL students to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.


Credit: JMU Website

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