Fortissimo will be celebrated this year on January 25, 2020
at Stone Brewery in Point Loma at Liberty Station 
12:30-3:30pm Luncheon, Dessert, and Awards​

Click below for more information and to
​register for this amazing event!

Honoring Imperial Valley and San Diego County Music Educators, Industry Leaders and School Administrators for exceptional work in music education.

The Fortissimo Awards are selected through an open nomination process, followed by a selection process from the CMEA-SBS Executive Board.  Laura Schiavo, Past President of CMEA-SBS, says that the "Fortissimo Awards are an amazing way to celebrate all the incredible people who are working tirelessly, daily, to make music education incredible in our community.  We need to celebrate these daily heroes that make such a difference in children's lives!"

Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Fortissimo Award Winners!!!

Outstanding Administrator Award:
Honoring a Non-Music Educator who, as a School Administrator, has Contributed Powerfully to the Support of Music Education
John Aguilar
Deborah Nevin Armstrong
Music Industry Leadership Award:
Honoring an Organization / Individual for Outstanding Leadership in Music Education.
San Diego Winds
Jazz Educator Award:
Honoring Excellence in Jazz Education and Performance
Jeff Beck
Middle School Music Specialist Award
Honoring Excellence in Instrumental Education and Performance
Stuart Holmes

Hall of Fame
Honoring Lifetime Achievement in Music Education 
Stephen Luchs*

Elementary Music Specialist Award
Honoring Excellence in Elementary Music Education 
Crystal Pridmore
Richard Levin Orchestra Educator Award
Honoring Excellence in Orchestra Education and Performance
Zachary Christy

Ernest R Yee Illuminating Culture Award
Honoring Excellence in Connecting Student Talent with their Communities
Robert Gilson

Pearson-Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award
Honoring Excellence in Choral Education and Performance
Lisa Friedrichs

John Swain College/University Music Educator Award
Honoring Excellence in Collegiate Music Education 
David Harnish

Byron Hoyt/Don Schemer Band Educator Award
Honoring Excellence in Band Education and Performance
Amy Villanova

Aubrey Penman Retired Music Educator Award
Honoring Continued Influence in Developing Teachers
Harvey Tellinghuisen

Newcomer of the Year
Honoring new teachers or new to the area teachers who are making a huge difference in students' lives
​Martin Fierro
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* Denotes State Award Recipient

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