Two area music educators honored

Two music educators from our area have been selected for honors by the Sno-King Music Educators Association, to be presented at their state conference in Yakima February 14, 2014.

Mark Adamo
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Mark Adamo has been selected as the Outstanding Music Educator for the Sno-King region.

Mark has been teaching for 27 years. He began his career in Port Townsend, teaching band and orchestra for 12 years. After a short time at Woodinville High School teaching instrumental music, he moved to Shorecrest High School and Kellogg Middle School, where he has the served as orchestra director since 2001. Mark has served as a staff conductor for both the Seattle Youth Symphony and the Everett Youth Symphony. He has also served as both Orchestra Curriculum Officer and Band Curriculum Officer on the WMEA Board of Directors.

Colleagues say that Mark never simply trains kids, rather his students learn to listen, read and make music independently at the highest level. He teaches with a skillful combination of firmness and fun and creates a climate where all students feel encouraged and capable of achieving the highest standards. His students proclaim “Mr. Adamo is amazing.” His contributions enlighten and inspire both students and colleagues alike. 

The SKMEA Friend of Music Award will be presented to the family of the late Aviva Leonard. who passed away last year.

Aviva Leonard, of Lake Forest Park, was a viola and violin instructor and coach in the Sno-King area for decades. She coached and taught Shoreline students, youth symphony sections, and string students from many other districts. She found ways to enable even the most disadvantaged students to take lessons with her, whether that meant doing a few chores around the house or helping to sort music. 

"She truly had a huge heart for kids and a passion for music. Aviva was as caring, patient and thoughtful a human being as one could ever imagine. She was not only a consummate professional musician, but she also used her talent and passion for sharing to significantly impact music education. 

"When anyone needed assistance, advice or feedback regarding musical decisions and curricular needs, Aviva was always ready to help. She was affectionately known as the "viola mother" in our area, but her influence was felt by many students, regardless of their instrument. Our colleagues are fortunate to have known and worked with Aviva, and we are thrilled to see her honored as the Sno-King region's Friend of Music."