Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School District are proud to announce that Fine & Performing Arts Chair David Schumacher has been named a 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist.
The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who teach students in kindergarten through college at public and private schools. Nominees have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools they serve. The award is presented jointly by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum.
A total of 200 music teachers from 180 cities nationwide were selected as quarterfinalists, from more than 2,000 initial nominations.
After years of waiting for the right time to apply, Schumacher decided to engage in the challenging and highly critical application process.
The initial application for this prestigious award involved a lengthy questionnaire regarding his teaching philosophy, best practices and program details. He also had to write a brief statement about why he is worthy of the award. All materials are then sent to the GRAMMY group for review, which analyzes and breaks down everything to make their selections for the quarterfinalists.
“I am incredibly honored, humbled, and excited to be a quarterfinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Thank you to the entire Pentucket Music community for your everlasting support. We have all – students, alumni, families, and staff – built this community together, and it remains my proudest accomplishment,” said Schumacher.
To be considered for semifinalist status, Schumacher must submit a brief video capturing himself in the act of teaching, a second detailing his impact on students and community, and a third video sharing a concept, tip, or instructional idea that would benefit his colleagues and/or students, alongside a resume or list of accomplishments, by mid-June.
The semifinalists for the award will be announced in September. The final recipient of the 2026 Music Educator Award will be flown out to Los Angeles to attend the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards and a range of GRAMMY Week 2026 events, where they will be honored for their dedication to music education.
“We are incredibly proud of David for being recognized as a quarterfinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award,” said Superintendent Dr. Bartholomew. “It was evident from the moment he joined our District that he was passionate about music education, and since then, he has made a lasting impact on the students who have come through our music program. This recognition is so well-deserved, and we wish him the best of luck as the Award process continues.”
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