Cox High School Media Liaison Erin Tonelson contributed to this post.
Cox High School Orchestra teacher Aaron Hardwick and Landstown High School Choral Director Dr. Martha Springstead were recently chosen as exceptional music teachers and two of the “Favorite Music Teachers of Hampton Roads” by the National Association for Music Education’s Music in our Schools Month.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will honor Hardwick at their Saturday, March 15 concert, Of Saxophones and Sibelius.
The association has been accepting nominations from area students, school administrators, and parent associations for their favorite music teacher in the Hampton Roads community since January.
Sophomore Orchestra student Brendan Vachris and his family nominated Hardwick, also making a donation to the organization in his honor.
“I don’t know where I would be musically without him [Hardwick]. He made me want to stay in orchestra because he is a great conductor and connects with us by organizing fun activities,” Vachris said.
Making music fun is a common tie for both honorees.
Springstead has been teaching at Landstown High since the doors opened to the building more than a decade ago. In that time, she has taught not just the theory of music, but also an encompassing love for the artform.
“The passion she instills in her award-winning musicians is always evident, whether they are performing at commencement or a host of school events throughout the year,” said Landstown principal, Dr. Brian Matney. “She’s learned, positive, and inspirational—loving young people, her chosen craft, and the fine arts – and we love her right back.”
The symphony performance will be held at Chrysler Hall at 8 p.m.
According to Virginia Symphony Orchestra Events Project Manager Katie Fenimore, Hardwick and Springstead’s names and schools will be printed in the third edition of this year’s playbill running from March 8 – June 14.
They will also be featured on the Virginia Symphony Facebook page during the month of March at www.facebook.com/VirginiaSymphony
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Mr. Hardwick is an excellent teacher and he is a joy to work with.
Congratulations, Mr. Hardwick!
Mr. Hardwick was the strings teacher at Parkway for several years. What an exemplary teacher he is!!! He brought a love and appreciation for music for not only the students but also the staff of Parkway. Congratulations Mr. Hardwick!!
Congratulations, Aaron! We’re proud to have you here at Cox, touching lives and making music!
Congrats, Aaron!
Mr. Hardwick is an amazingly talented musician and teacher. We are all thrilled at his selection!
One of my favorite memories of working with Mr. Hardwick are the signs he would hang on his classroom door. The best one was a ghostbuster’s like sign – a circle with a musical note in the middle and a line through it. On the sign were the words “Friends don’t let friends play bad notes!” Congratulations Mr. Hardwick – this is well deserved!
Way to go, Aaron!
Congratulations!
Dear Mr. Hardwick:
You don’t know me, but I am a proud old Cox H.S. Alum. Mr. Boyle was my music teacher and some of my fondest memories are of Chorus, productions, and the Senior Musicals we did.
I believe whole-heartedly that music is so important to a complete and well-rounded education, and it thrills me that the strong and proud music traditions of Cox High School are obviously being carried on by an more than competent and well-respected man. I wish you the best of luck and congratulate you on your current and, I’m certain, future honors.
Sincerely,
Jan L. (Gerber) Erie
Congratulations, Aaron! Shelton Park students reap the benefits of your instruction, also!
Thank you all for such kind and gracious comments! It was a pleasure and honor to represent VBCPS at the recognition concert. I am blessed to have such incredible colleagues and mentors! Congratulations to you all for being awesome!
Hope you all have a wonderful remainder of the year!
– J. Aaron Hardwick