The 2024 Spotlight Award Application is LIVE through Feb 15!
The beginning of a new calendar year is a point of both reflection and (sometimes frantic) recommitment, doubling down on the projects already in the works, the school year that is already mid-way through, and looking ahead to the opportunities that this new year holds. The life of an arts educator is both a marathon and a sprint, and that perseverance and resilience inspires each generation of young musicians and dancers in ways unimaginable. Sometimes the power of their impact comes from the careful, tedious, long-range planning that puts major works in motion. Sometimes, the most powerful act is simply showing up authentically, whole-heartedly, and with little more than a sincere smile to say hello to their students, to let them know that they are seen, valued, and cared about.
We at ACEMM want our people to know that they are seen, valued, and cared about - and that their commitment and dedication to never go unrecognized. We sincerely hope that we can be a connecting, guiding force for music educators all over the world. One avenue of recognition and solidarity in our community is through our Spotlight Award. Recipients of this peer-nominated award are highlighted on the ACEMM website with an article featuring their work and contributions, and receive a certificate of recognition as well as an engraved personal memento as a recipient of the Spotlight Award. We do this to spread the word and stories of the individuals doing the work day in, day out, and to express our gratitude and awe at the impact they have on our field, on our community, and their students.
The American Center for Elemental Music and Movement envisions a global society where all have access to the transformative possibilities of elemental music and movement, but the action in that mission is often the most powerfully realized by lifting up individuals. The ones who are innovating, who are in the classroom day in and day out, and who keep showing up sincerely and authentically for their students.
In the spirit of connection and community that has helped all of us survive, and at times thrive, in the most challenging of times in our professional careers, we at ACEMM are committed to shining a bright, positive, helpful, supportive light out into the world. We are here to celebrate the power of everyone out there making a difference in the lives other humans through music and movement and connecting them in community with one another. We invite you to join us, grow with us, add your light to ours, and with one melody, one simple flowing gesture, and one heart at a time, we will change the world through music and movement.
Please consider taking a few moments reflecting on your peers, and nominating that person who inspires you to keep showing up, to stay in the game, and to keep reaching for new heights. The nominations for our Spotlight Award is open until February 15th. Who do you know who deserves some extra light shined on the work they do?