A trip to the Junos, $10,000 and a national award — it was eventful day for a local music teacher.
Orillia Secondary School’s Laura Lee Matthie was the centre of attention when she walked into her music room Wednesday. Greeted by applause from students and staff, Matthie was told she had been named MusiCounts’ Teacher of the Year.
“It’s quite a shock,” said Matthie, who was at a loss for words.
MusiCounts, a national charity affiliated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Juno Awards, has handed out its Teacher of the Year Award since 2005. The award comes with $10,000 for Matthie, as well as a donation to her school’s music department. Matthie has also been invited to attend the Juno Awards March 24 in Vancouver. She will also attend the Chairman’s Reception during Juno Week, when she will receive her award.
“This is an amazing honour,” she said.
But it is not an honour she considers to be her own.
“I would say it’s on behalf of all music educators,” she said.
She thanked fellow music teacher Robin Watson, who hired Matthie.
“It’s a shared honour,” Matthie said.
Kate Stacey, a Grade 10 student who is a member of the stage band conducted by Matthie, was among those who wrote a letter of recommendation to have Matthie recognized by MusiCounts.
“She’s always really fun to be around. She’s really passionate,” Stacey said. “I like her as a conductor and I like the music she picks.”
Stacey was surprised to learn Matthie had won the award, not because she doesn’t deserve it, but rather because a teacher from “little Orillia” was recognized.
“It’s crazy, but she definitely deserves it.”
Jodi Lloyd agreed.
“I’m ecstatic to see her recognized for her hard work and dedication to music and her students,” said Lloyd, Orillia trustee with the Simcoe County District School Board.
Lloyd noted Matthie’s work doesn’t end when the school bell rings; she is also part of music educators associations and puts in a lot of extracurricular time.
To Matthie, it is no chore.
“It’s like one big, happy family with the kids,” she said of her students, stressing the importance of music education. “It needs to be fostered in the schools. Every child should have the opportunity to receive music instruction at all ages. It should be a core subject.”
Matthie is excited to attend the Junos. It will be a first for her. She said she is most looking forward to seeing Barenaked Ladies inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the ceremony.
Find out more about MusiCounts here.
