The Pilot Point ISD director of bands has a chance of receiving the 2027 Music Educator Award by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum.
Dan Balkema found out in February that he had been nominated for the award, and he has made it to the quarterfinal round as one of 203 candidates for the award.
“I hadn’t even heard of the award,” Balkema said. “… [It’s] pretty humbling, to be honest with you, being listed among a lot of quality music educators from across the country.”
To be recognized with the award, candidates must be current educators “who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools,” according to a press release.
They can also teach at any level from kindergarten through college at public and private institutions.
The next step comes in June, where Balkema will submit an application, which will include video interviews of students.
“I’ll see how the music program has really helped our students in the community and go from there and submit that,” Balkema said.
He expects to hear back in roughly September about whether he will advance.
“I’m just thankful I don’t have to do anything during [marching] season,” Balkema said.
There were more than 2,100 nominations that poured in.
“It’s just a really cool opportunity, to be nominated in the first place, but just to be listed amongst, across the country, some phenomenal music educators,” Balkema said.
In addition to his duties as director of bands for Pilot Point, Balkema has served as the region coordinator for four years.
“That’s actually a really cool opportunity, too, because I’ve been teaching for 23 years, … I just love mentoring across the region,” he said.
He loves the chance, too, to work with the students from across the region at their individual competitions.
“Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students’ lives. The 13th annual honoree will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 69th Annual GRAMMY Awards and a range of GRAMMY Week events,” the release said. “The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants. Fifteen semi-finalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants. The matching grants provided to the schools are made possible by the generosity and support of the GRAMMY Museum’s Education Champion Ford Motor Company Fund.”
