Music educators throughout Milwaukee have been recognized for their excellence at the Civic Music Milwaukee Educator Awards.
The 2024 ceremony provided teachers with a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Among them were several Peck School of the Arts alumni, building on the Department of Music’s long history of graduates who have been honored through Civic Music Milwaukee.
This year, Antonio Kitchens (BFA 2020, Music Education) received the Emerging Music Educator Award, Annie Schmidt (MA, Music) received a Certificate of Excellence in Instrumental Music Instruction, and Karl Mueller (MA 2013, Music Education) received a Certificate of Excellence in Youth Music Instruction.
PSOA Professor of Music Education Sheila J. Feay-Shaw believes that music, for many students, is a motivator for success in school. She highlighted the importance acknowledging educators for their important role in the lives of students.
“These [award] programs highlight what might otherwise fly under the radar,” said Feay-Shaw. “Many of the teachers I know who have received these awards are very humble people whose care and concern are for their students rather than the glory of performing, which is why many of them became teachers in the first place.”
Feay-Shaw reflected on Emerging Educator winner, Antonio Kitchens.
“Antonio has been in his position for several years at a school that has struggled to help students meet academic standards, which always puts the arts at risk,” she said. “What people often fail to realize is that for some of these kids, the arts (music in particular) are the reason these kids come to school. Antonio grew up in Milwaukee Public Schools and had a determination to return to teach in the district that provided him with a quality start. His attitude of believing in the children he teaches and the opportunities that he provides make a difference.”
Story by Jason McCullum ’25