What an amazing achievement bestowed upon our own Mr. Rhoades! The Toledo Symphony put out a call for outstanding nominees to be named Music Educator of the Year. All nominees were considered by the Toledo Symphony Board, who narrowed the field down to 4 deserving teachers. The community voted on the winner and Mr. Rhoades was named the winner on Saturday, May 13th during a concert by the Toledo Symphony.
"The Toledo Symphony recognizes the important role music teachers play in the lives of the students they teach. Music teachers introduce, instill, and cultivate a love of music that surpass the time spent in the classroom. They lay the foundation for a lifetime appreciation that serves to perpetuate the artforms we also strive to continue."
Justin Rhoades was born in Cleveland, Ohio and was raised in the west-side suburb of Avon. Growing up, Justin knew the importance of both music and education with everyone in his immediate family playing an instrument, and having a grandmother who was a decorated educator and accomplished pianist.
He is extremely grateful to have outstanding team-teaching colleagues, Ms. Kylene Maroon and Mr. John Georgeson, as dedicated educators and friends. In addition to his band directing duties at WLS, he and Ms. Maroon have served on staff with the Ohio Ambassadors of Music; an ensemble of high school musicians, who performed in multiple European countries and experienced their diverse cultures.
We are so proud of this outstanding, inspiring educator!