Norfolk Public Schools Music Teacher John Fouracre to be Inducted to MICCA Hall of Fame

NORFOLK — Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ingrid Allardi and Principal Lisa Altham-Hickey are proud to announce that Freeman-Kennedy School music teacher John Fouracre is being inducted to the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Paul Smith Hall of Fame.

Fouracre was named as a 2025 co-recipient of the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award, alongside Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk, choir director at Medway High School. There is usually only one person selected each year for the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award. This year is only the second time since 1998, when the award was first established, that two recipients were named.

This award honors Massachusetts music conductors who serve as an inspiration to students, the community, and fellow educators. Fouracre will be formally inducted at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association In-Service Conference at the DCU Center in Worcester at 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 28.

Fouracre has been an instrumental music teacher since 1996 at the Freeman-Kennedy School, where he instructs students in grades 4-6. Under his leadership, the school’s Advanced Band has consistently received high rankings at MICCA Concert Festivals.

Beyond his role as a teacher, Fouracre is an accomplished musician who has performed with the Wachusett Brass and the Jerry Seeco Big Band. Fouracre currently performs with the Commonwealth Wind Symphony.

Induction into the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame is based on several criteria, including a minimum of 10 years as a Massachusetts conductor, a variety of conducting experience, involvement in MICCA activities, and demonstrating a commitment to professionalism in music education at the state and local levels.

The MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award is named after the late Paul Smith, former director of bands at Abington High School, who was widely respected for his musicianship, professionalism, and integrity. Fouracre joins a distinguished group of past honorees, including Walter Chesnut, George Parks, Frank Battisti, and Malcolm Rowell.

For more information about MICCA and the Hall of Fame Award, go to www.miccamusic.org.

“I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient of this Hall of Fame honor. Mr. Fouracre is an exceptional educator who has nurtured a love of music in countless students over the years,” said Principal Altham-Hickey. “He not only teaches music but inspires a lifelong appreciation for it. We are so proud to see him recognized with a spot in the MICCA Hall of Fame.”

“John Fouracre’s dedication to music education and his impact on young musicians in our district has been profound,” said Superintendent Dr. Allardi. “He has done such a great job throughout his career as a music teacher and conductor for our students in the instrumental band program. His induction into the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism, musical ability, and commitment to fostering a love of music among our students.”

###