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The PYO Music Institute (PYOMI) is proud to announce the ten exceptional finalists for the 2026 Ovation Award, which honors outstanding music educators in the Greater Philadelphia region who are making a lasting impact on their students and communities. Nominated by students, colleagues, and community members, these individuals exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership in music education, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of music.
PYOMI’s Ovation Awards are proudly sponsored by J.W. Pepper acknowledging their shared commitment to honoring exceptional music educators.
This year’s finalists include performers, public school educators, collegiate faculty, and nonprofit leaders, all of whom share a passion for inspiring young musicians.
2026 Ovation Award Finalists
(Listed alphabetically by last name)
Jay Fluellen: Musical Director for the Marian Anderson Historical Society and music teacher at his alma mater Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Dedicated to serving the Philadelphia community for over 21 years.
Jiyeon Kim: Violinist and dedicated music instructor with more than 17 years of teaching experience. An alumna of the Manhattan School of Music, she has appeared as a soloist in numerous orchestras in Korea.
Samuel Lorber: Saxophonist and educator who has performed major orchestral saxophone repertoire as well as a contributor to consortium commissions of new works. An alumnus of Swarthmore College and New England Conservatory, he is also a member of the Duo Vercio ensemble.
Mimi Morris-Kim: (PYO Alumna) Cellist for the Philadelphia-based Fairmount String Quartet and maintains a successful private cello studio. An alumna of the University of Michigan and Rice University, she is also an alumna of Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Angela Zator Nelson: Associate principal timpani percussionist at The Philadelphia Orchestra. A Northwestern and Temple alumna, she was the first female percussionist hired by the Orchestra.
Christopher Norris: Retired music teacher at Moorestown High School. An avid freelance trumpeter, he continues to contribute to music education and performance in both classical and commercial genres.
Hirono Oka: Member of first violin section of The Philadelphia Orchestra. An alumna of Curtis and The San Francisco Conservatory, she is also an accomplished soloist and chamber performer.
Rachel Segal: Philadelphia-based multi-genre violinist, arranger, and educator and former Associate Director of the Young Musicians Debut Orchestra. The founder of the Primavera Fund, she has supported the musical endeavors of many young musicians in Philadelphia.
Shana Pistilli: Founder and owner of Rubato School of Music and music educator dedicated to creating inclusive, student-centered learning experiences for musicians of all abilities. She holds a Master’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in autism from Berklee College of Music.
Simón Pérez Torres: Associate Principal Cellist of the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra and music educator. Venezuelan-born shaped by the El Sistema music education program, he focuses on a global perspective to music instruction.
About the Ovation Award
Established to recognize the outstanding work of music educators across the region, the Ovation Award celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to inspire students through music. The winner will be selected from this group of finalists and honored during Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s 86th Annual Festival Concert at the Kimmel Center on Saturday, May 31, 2026 at 7 p.m.
