TOLEDO, OH — The Toledo Symphony (TSO) has announced Matthew Shirey, Northwood Local Schools Band Director, as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Music Educator Award. This is the sixth consecutive year the TSO has honored current, full-time, K-12 music educators who teach music in public and private schools in the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan region.
“When you come to the symphony, the incredible musicians you see on stage have all had very special mentors,” says Alain Trudel, Music Director of Toldeo Symphony Orchestra. “Often, as it was in my case, that person is our high school music teacher. The dedication of our finalists is an example and inspiration for all to follow as we foster the next generation of musicians and importantly, humans.”
Through the Outstanding Music Educator Award, the Toledo Symphony recognizes the vital role music teachers play in the lives of the students they teach. Music teachers introduce, instill, and cultivate a love of music that surpasses the time spent in the classroom. They lay the foundation for a lifetime of appreciation that serves to perpetuate these artforms.
“Matt is an exceptional music educator whose passion for music is evident. His commitment to his students' musical growth sets him apart as an educator. Matt's dedication goes beyond basic teaching duties. He consistently provides extra support and encouragement to help his students develop their musical talents. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award.” comments Tracey Petteys, principal of Northwood High School.
Matthew Shirey is currently in his 12th year of teaching and 7th year as the Director of Bands for Northwood Local Schools while being active as a leader in the music education community. Currently acting as the chair for the OMEA D1 High School Honor Band, the OMEA D1 Junior High S&E East location, while directing the BGSU Academy Band. With these opportunities Shirey is able to work with directors, undergraduate music education majors, and band students from all over Northwest Ohio. Shirey graduated Magna Cum Laude with his BM in Music Education from Wayne State University and MM in Saxophone Performance from Bowling Green State University.
“I am beyond humbled to accept the 2025 Toledo Symphony Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award! Thank you to my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, students, and the community for your outstanding support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the other finalists, Nathan Heath and Cecilia Johnson, as well as the many other dedicated and talented music educators in Northwest Ohio. We have so many vibrant and strong music programs in our area because of their efforts. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!” says Matthew Shirey, Recipient of this Year’s Outstanding Music Educator of the Year award.
Outstanding Music Educator Award Finalists included Nathan Heath (Northview High School) and Cecilia Johnson (Maumee Valley Country Day School).
For more information about Toledo Symphony’s Outstanding Music Educator Award or educational outreach opportunities for schools, please contact Ellie Lee at elee@artstoledo.com or visit artstoledo.com/omeya.
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ABOUT TAPA
The Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is a collective consisting of the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Symphony School of Music, Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, and most recently, The Toledo Jazz Orchestra. TAPA strives to establish meaningful partnerships with individuals and organizations that fundamentally impact the cultural life of our region. As a vibrant and growing arts organization, TAPA empowers all in our region to experience the performing arts through concerts, recitals, education programs, community engagement and activation, private lessons, fully staged productions, and more. In early 2025, TAPA moved its headquarters to the former Masonic Temple adjacent to the Stranahan Theater on Heatherdowns Blvd. This new facility will serve as the artistic hub for all of TAPA's administrative offices, education programs, private lessons and group classes, some performances, and community programming.
ABOUT TOLEDO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is a community-supported organization of professional musicians and teachers who deliver quality performance and music education for all. Formed in 1943 as The Friends of Music and incorporated in 1951 as the Toledo Orchestra Association, Inc., the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has grown from a core group of twenty-two part-time musicians to a regional orchestra that employs sixty-nine professional musicians who consider the Toledo Symphony their primary employer, as well as numerous extra players annually as repertoire demands.
The Toledo Symphony reaches more than 260,000 individuals annually through performances and education programs. TSO series concerts (Masterworks, Pops, Family, Chamber series) are the critical underpinning of the orchestra’s artistic mission and regularly draw people from 135 postal zip codes. Education programs, student performances, and community concerts are held in schools, neighborhood churches, performing arts centers, and community facilities throughout the region; many are offered at no charge or provided at a reduced fee to help expand participation.
