Teachers, School Win Arts Education Awards

Two teachers and a school were honored for innovation and creativity in arts education Monday at an annual ceremony sponsored by the Music Center of Los Angeles County.

The winners of the 1998-99 Bravo Awards share a view of the arts as an integral part of a student’s curriculum.

“If I was told I had to cut out the fluff from curriculum, I wouldn’t cut out the arts,” said Paul Horovitz, head of the Buckley School.

The Buckley School, a private school, in Sherman Oaks, was the winner in the school category. Buckley students, from preschool to the 12th grade, sing, dance, perform on stage, paint and sculpt.

Matt McKagan, band director at Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills, also was honored. McKagan lives for the moment when a student takes pride in mastering a particular note or song.

McKagan, a teacher at Lindero Canyon for nine years, teaches all levels of band, including jazz, before the school day begins.

Before the awards ceremony, McKagan described his philosophy in teaching music as instilling “in each and every child a sense of personal pride--a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement which will extend far beyond the music classroom.”

Another honoree, Amy Ellison, teaches at Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Ellison, who teaches gifted and talented fourth-graders, incorporates poetry, visual arts, instrumental music, dance, song and theater throughout the curriculum.

The awards ceremony was held at the Regal Biltmore Hotel. Started in 1982, the awards are administered by the Music Center’s Education Division and Club 100, an organization of women who promote performing arts in the community.

Principals, faculty and parents committees and superintendents nominated 53 teachers and 11 schools from 38 public school districts and private schools in Southern California. A committee of educators and artists selected 10 finalists, and a panel of judges visited the schools and teachers to make the final decision.

The Buckley School receives $2,500 for the award; each teacher receives $1,000.