Comsewogue High School Orchestra Director Elaine Holmes was recently announced as a quarterfinalist for the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum’s 2024 Music Educator Award. Ms. Holmes was nominated for making a significant and lasting impact to music education in Comsewogue and in her students’ lives, in addition to her commitment to strengthening the role of music education in schools.
“The Comsewogue School District congratulates Elaine Holmes on advancing to the quarterfinals and know she is every bit deserving of earning this recognition,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Quinn. “Thanks to her hard work, dedication and passion, Comsewogue High School boasts an esteemed and skilled orchestra that only continues improving and reaching new heights.”
Ms. Holmes is among 212 quarterfinalists from 197 cities who are contending for the 2024 Music Educator Award, now in its 10th year. She was selected from over 2,000 initial nominations for the honor, which recognizes music educators from kindergarten through college in public and private schools across the country.
Ms. Holmes has worked in the Comsewogue School District for 22 years and teaches concert orchestra, symphony orchestra, audio production and an after-school chamber orchestra. She also advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society and co-advises the National Honor Society. Ms. Holmes also serves as the District liaison for Sound Symphony Orchestra, a semi-professional community orchestra that practices at Comsewogue High School.
Outside of the Comsewogue School District, Ms. Holmes extends her commitment to music education and has held roles such as a guest conductor for the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Orchestra, Hamptons Music Educators Association’s All-County Orchestra and Oswego County Area All-State Orchestra. She has also served as an Adjudicator for New York State School Music Association festivals throughout Long Island.
The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum will announce the semifinalists for the 2024 Music Educator Award in September and will announce 10 finalists later this year. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards and a variety of events during GRAMMY Week. The remaining nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium and a matching grant for their school. Fifteen semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium and matching grant for their school.
The matching grants are sponsored by the GRAMMY Museum’s Education Champion Ford Motor Company Fund. Additional support for this program comes from the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation and National Education Association.