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Philadelphia, PA (March 3, 2025) – The PYO Music Institute (PYOMI) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 12th Annual Ovation Award for Inspiration and Outstanding Leadership in Music Education. This prestigious award honors exceptional music teachers in the Delaware Valley who, beyond imparting musical knowledge, cultivate character, self-confidence, and skills that prepare students for success in all areas of life.
The Ovation Award underscores the vital importance of music education and celebrates the profound impact music teachers have on the broader community. Nominations close on March 31, 2025. The recipient of the 12th Annual Ovation Award will be announced on Saturday, May 31, 2025, during the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s 85th Annual Festival Concert.
PYOMI’s Ovation Awards are proudly sponsored by J.W. Pepper and WRTI 90.1 FM, acknowledging their shared commitment to honoring exceptional music educators.
Nomination Details:
- Eligibility: Music teachers based in the Delaware Valley region who teach in public or private schools (Kindergarten through College), private studios, or community music programs.
- Who Can Nominate: Current or former students of any age.
- How to Nominate: Submit a brief application and a statement of no more than 250 words answering the question: “How has your music teacher changed your life?” Nominations can be submitted online at www.pyomusic.org/ovation-award.
- Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025.
Important Quotes from Leadership:
Louis Scaglione, President and CEO of the PYO Music Institute, expressed his deep admiration for music educators, stating, “Each year, we are moved by the powerful nominations that shine a light on the extraordinary dedication of music teachers. These educators are more than instructors; they are mentors, guiding their students with wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration. At PYO Music Institute, we recognize that the impact of a great music teacher extends far beyond the classroom, shaping lives and strengthening communities. We are honored to celebrate these outstanding individuals and deeply grateful to J.W. Pepper and WRTI for their continued support in uplifting music education.”
Lee Paynter, Chief Operating Officer of J.W. Pepper and member of the PYO Music Institute Board of Trustees, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At J.W. Pepper, we have always believed in the transformative power of music education. The Ovation Award is a testament to the dedication of educators who inspire and shape the lives of their students through music. We are honored to support this initiative and celebrate these outstanding teachers.”
Bill Johnson, General Manager of WRTI, shared his thoughts on the significance of the award: “Music education enriches our communities and fosters creativity, discipline, and empathy. WRTI is proud to sponsor the Ovation Award, recognizing the educators who tirelessly dedicate themselves to nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders.”
Selection Process and Prizes:
A Blue-Ribbon Panel, comprising representatives from regional universities, colleges, conservatories, and institutions, will select the Top Ten Finalists and one Grand Prize Winner. The Ovation Award Recipient will be honored with an award tribute, a cash prize, and recognition from our sponsors. All finalists will receive a recognition award, and the winning nominator will be awarded a $250 Visa gift card.
About the organizations:
About J.W. Pepper: J.W. Pepper®, based in Exton, PA, was founded in Philadelphia and has grown to become the leading retailer of sheet music. In its 148th year, they serve customers through their website and two distribution centers. Customer care is at the heart of their services for school music programs, church and community groups, private studios, and performing musicians. For more information, visit jwpepper.com.
About WRTI: WRTI 90.1 FM is a member-supported, non-commercial, values-driven classical music and jazz public media station located in Philadelphia, with 14 frequencies serving listeners in PA, NJ, and DE. The mission of WRTI is to champion music as a vital cultural resource. WRTI’s core values include discovery, curation, performance, community, preservation, and education. A broadcast service of Temple University, WRTI is also an NPR member station. WRTI is on the radio at 90.1 FM, and 24-hour classical and jazz streams are available online at WRTI.org, on the WRTI Mobile App, and on Amazon and Google smart speakers.
PYO Music Institute Mission Statement:
The PYO Music Institute uses extraordinary music education through the pursuit of music excellence to inspire a strong sense of character, discipline, commitment, and community for our diverse student population.
The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute is the tri-state region’s premier youth orchestra organization for gifted, young, classical musicians, and one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organizations in the United States. For 85 years, the PYO Music Institute has been providing professional-caliber musical experiences to young instrumentalists, while thrilling audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region and across the globe.
The organization now has eleven programs: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), Bravo Brass, Prysm Strings – Main Line, Tune Up Philly – Orchestral Pathways Program, Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO), Pizzicato Players, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO), Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), Prysm Strings – New Jersey, and Philadelphia Youth Concert Band (PYCB). Ranging in age from 5 to 21 years, the musicians of the PYO Music Institute come from a 70-mile radius of Philadelphia encompassing nearly 20 counties within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Through advanced orchestra repertoire, students are challenged to perform at professional levels, to strive for advanced musicianship, and to achieve superior technical, musical, and personal application. Former PYOMI musicians currently hold chairs in most of the top 20 professional orchestras in the United States, with 10 PYO alumni currently serving in The Philadelphia Orchestra.
