Awards & Recognition

Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award

The Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award was established in 2022 to honor Texas Orchestra Directors with 15+ years of orchestra teaching experience who consistently demonstrate leadership and superior teaching in Texas.

Eligibility:

  • The nominee is not required to be a current member of Mu Omicron

  • 15 or more years of experience teaching orchestra

  • Currently a public school Orchestra Director in Texas

  • Demonstrates leadership in Texas Orchestra programs (Region Chair, TMEA/UIL event hosting, committee service, hosting student teachers, TMEA Mentor program, etc…)

  • Consistently demonstrates superior teaching throughout their career through performance such as UIL, Midwest invitations, Honor Orchestra placement, etc…

 Nomination Process:

  • Nominations for the Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award will be accepted from October 1st – December 1st of each year, and the award will be presented at the Mu Omicron Business Meeting at TMEA in February.

  • Nominations should include the following, and will be completed on the google form for nominations:

    •  Name of nominee

    •  Address of nominee

    •  Email address of nominee

    •  Brief biography of the nominee

    •  Why you recommend this nominee for the award

    •  *Optional* Upload a short video (5-7 minutes max) of the nominee teaching a lesson/rehearsing in class

 Selection Process:

  • Nominations for the Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award will be completed on a google form and uploaded between October 1st – December 1st of each year.

  • A selection committee will be formed consisting of 4 Mu Omicron members plus the 3 current Mu Omicron Board Members. 

  • Anyone who nominates someone for the Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award will be ineligible to serve on the selection committee.

  • Current serving Mu Omicron Board members are prohibited from nominating anyone for the Kathy Fishburn Excellence in Orchestra Award.

  • The selection committee will evaluate each nominee and give them a total score based on the answers on the nomination form.

  • The recipient must be present at the TMEA Convention to accept the award.

Award History


Year
Recipient
2023-2024
Gary Needham
2022-2023
David DeVoto

Mu Omicron Clinic Grants

Mu Omicron will award grants to bring in a master teacher to assist and mentor young and new to the profession orchestra directors in Texas.

Nomination Process:

  • A current Mu Omicron member will nominate a new or younger teacher who is not a current Mu Omicron member for the grant by submitting their information on the Clinic Grant Nomination Form. (SEE LINK BELOW)

  • Submission of the clinic grant request does not mean it will automatically be approved.

  • Once a nomination is received, the Mu Omicron Board Members will discuss and approve grants based on need and availability of funding.

  • Clinic Grant Nominations are open throughout the year.

Clinic Grant Recipients


Year
Recipient
2023-2024
Alan Guckian
2023-2024
Stephanie Infante
2023-2024
David Engelman
2021-2022
Kevin Garcia
2021-2022
Savana Hughey
2021-2022
Austin Leach
2021-2022
Madison Pruden
2021-2022
Kimberly Zielnicki
2021-2022
Justin Hensley