On a night to truly remember, the following impressive educators from AACPS were honored this evening at the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) 2025 Annual Awards for Excellence ceremony in Baltimore.
Outstanding Music Educator - Briana Gresko Kalber, NBCT, teaches chorus, AP Music Theory, and piano at Crofton High School. An active presenter, clinician and adjudicator, Ms. Kalber is also a contributor to AACPS music curriculum and published lyricist of choral works with composer Chris Fox. She serves as the piano accompanist for Voices In Praise and AACPS choruses. Ms. Kalber holds degrees in Music Education (Duquesne University) and Choral Conducting (Mansfield University, under the direction of Dr. Peggy Dettwiler).
Outstanding School Administrator - Cheryl Cox of Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School is in her 30th year of education, starting as a teacher for her first 15 years. Additionally, she earned two Master's Degrees in Urban and Diverse Learners and School Administration from Goucher College. After 15 years in the classroom, she became a Title One Math Resource teacher, and then entered administration. She has spent the last 13 years as a principal in several schools in Anne Arundel County. Her love for students is at the forefront of her work and each day is a joy!
MMEA Exemplary Music Program Award - Erin Chester (Orchestra), Liz Davidson (Chorus), and Michael Tayman (Band), also known as the Crofton Middle School Music Department proudly strives to establish teamwork within their ensembles, foster leadership traits in each musician, and develop high quality musicianship skills for all students. They work with the elementary and high school music programs in their feeder to cultivate lifelong musicians. Their overarching goal is to create supportive, productive, and inclusive classrooms where musicians feel they belong, can grow in their craft, and are able to succeed every day.
The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award - Jessica Valadie is currently the Coordinator of Music for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Her previous experience includes teaching instrumental and general music and serving as Arts Supervisor for Calvert County Public Schools. Jessica received her Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University in 1996 and received a MS in Curriculum & Instruction from McDaniel College in 2002. She is a past president of the Maryland Orchestra Directors Association and an active member of MMEA.
MMEA Hall of Fame - David Kauffman is the Senior Manager of Apex Arts; Supervisor of Interns at UMBC; Director of the CYSO Jazz Combo; & President-Elect of the Jazz Education Network. He has been an educator, clinician, guest conductor, adjudicator, performer, promoter, businessman, & elected official for thirty years, and served as Chair of the NAfME Council for Jazz Education from 2018-2022. He lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife Jennifer & their dogs Stella & Cosmo. They have two adult children, Kaitlyn & Sam. Previous news release about David Kauffman's induction.