Mainland Regional High Band Director in the Running for a Grammy Award

Congratulations to Keith Hodgson for his nomination for an award at the GRAMMY Awards.

Hodgson is a quarter finalist for the Grammy Foundation's Music Educator Award.  This is the first year the Grammies are honoring a music teacher, and the winner will receive a special award during GRAMMY week 2014.

Hodgson is one of 17 music teachers from New Jersey nominated and one of 217 nationally.  10 semi-finalists will be announced in August, with one grand prize winner being flown to Los Angeles for the GRAMMY Awards January 26th, 2014 and given a $10,000 honorarium.

This nomination is certainly deserved by Hodgson, who I came to know as the conductor of the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble, a group of local, professional musicians who perform concerts throughout the year in South Jersey.

His duties at Mainland Regional High School as Director of Instrumental Music include conducting and overseeing the school's concert, jazz and marching band.  Keith is also President of the New Jersey Music Educator's Association and Head Director for the American Music Abroad Gold Tour.

Keith Hodgson is a passionate and talented musician and music educator and would be a fine choice as the inaugural winner of the Music Educator Award at the 2014 GRAMMIES!  Good luck, Keith!