Contact: Allison Griffin
Public Relations Associate
503-416-6347
April 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … G. Douglas Bundy, a dedicated music educator in the Beaverton School District for more than 10 years, will be awarded the Oregon Symphony’s Patty Vemer Music Educator of the Year Award at the Oregon Symphony concert “Different Strokes” at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Monday, April 30 at 8 p.m.
Created in memory of Patty Vemer, an inspirational leader and director of music education at the Symphony for more than 13 years, the award honors those who have made significant contributions to the field of music education and their community, and who have served as a source of inspiration to their students.
“Doug Bundy’s teaching philosophy is focused on teaching the ‘whole’ student,” said Symphony Director of Education and Community Engagement Emilia Smith. “His commitment to responding to each student’s unique learning style is remarkable.”
Music Director Carlos Kalmar and Smith will bring Bundy onstage at the concert and present him with a certificate and a check for $1,000 to be used for music education in his community at his discretion.
Bundy grew up participating in the music programs of the Beaverton School District, and has since been giving back to his students and colleagues. As band director at Aloha High School, Bundy leads a marching band, two pep bands, a ninth-grade concert band, a 10th-12th grade symphonic band, a wind ensemble and two jazz bands. He has also established a Music Mentors Program, which brings music professionals from the community into the school to work with each instrument section and individual students during preparation for district solo festivals. In addition, Bundy collaborates closely with middle school band directors in the district to help create a smooth transition for incoming ninth-graders, and acts as a catalyst for similar work across the curriculum.
“Being in Mr. Bundy’s class taught me how to respect both myself and others,” said 2005 Aloha graduate Brian Miller. “Although a judge may give me a score it is my task and mine alone to be the real judge on my own personal performance.”
Said an Aloha High Band parent, “Doug doesn’t only teach band, he teaches his students to search for themselves. And as for me, he’s taught me how to be a better parent.”
The Symphony will also recognize the award’s two 2007 finalists: Kelly Moodie, an elementary music teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Grants Pass, and Gary Robbins, band director for the Nyssa School District.
“Our two finalists clearly represent the heart and soul of committed educators who build community in their schools through music,” said Smith. “They are not only helping to shape the lives of young Oregonians, but they are touching the lives of their colleagues and the greater communities in which they live.”
For the last 11 years, the Oregon Symphony has recognized excellence in music education with the Patty Vemer Music Educator of the Year Award. Past honorees include “Allen” Barber, band director at South Medford High School, Brian Seed, band director at Summit High School in Bend; Elizabeth Crockett, a music educator from the Willamette Valley; James Howell, a music specialist from La Grande and former president of the Oregon Music Educator’s Association; Scot Wavra, music teacher at West Linn Elementary School; David Anderson, music teacher at Sunnyside and Sunrise Middle Schools; Glenn Ludtke, Roosevelt High School music educator and Sisters M. John Therese Miller and M. Juliana Monti of Valley Catholic Schools.