Six times, Garland ISD has been named a Best Community for Music Education. So it comes as no surprise several Fine Arts instructors boast awards of their own. Garland High School Choir Director Cheryl Wilson recently received the Texas Choral Excellence Award from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA).
Wilson has been the head director at GHS for 16 years. Her choirs continually bring acclaim and recognition to the district through their high level of musical artistry. Her students also rack up several individual accomplishments every year. And her alumni often carry the foundations, high expectations and beauty learned at Garland High into their own teaching.
Much like Wilson, the TCDA seeks to instill a love of music in every Texas school, church and community singer by supporting choral directors and music teachers statewide. Honoring its members who show exceptional talents and dedication to their chosen profession, the Choral Excellence Award recognizes contributions to music education, mentorship, inspiration to colleagues and students, and advocacy for the future of choral singing.
Former students and colleagues alike agree Wilson was a perfect candidate.
“Her ability to share her love and passion for music through her teaching inspires her students to be lifelong musicians and in many cases, future music educators, like myself,” said former student Aaron Lucero. “For me, she was not only a teacher, but also a mentor, guidance counselor, role model, and now a friend and colleague.”
“She builds trust through her relationships with her students, and they have the utmost respect for her,” added coworker Nora Henson. “It’s as if you are observing a musical shorthand—she prepares her students to work at a strikingly advanced level, and they obviously love working with the intensity of a professional group. Day in and day out, year after year, Cheryl Wilson transforms ordinary students into extraordinary musicians.”
Information provided by Garland ISD – Photo courtesy of Cheryl Wilson