Two SPS music teachers received awards at the Washington Music Educators Association conference last weekend in Yakima.
Jerilynn Harris, Director of Orchestras at Odyssey at Libby, was recognized as the best School Orchestra Director of the year by the Washington Chapter of the American String Teachers Association this weekend.
“We are so proud to see Jerilynn recognized for their extraordinary talent, skill, and character. They are a phenomenal educator whose students not only achieve an exceptionally high level of musical performance but also learn to play with genuine joy and passion,” shared Odyssey principal Kimberly Stretch.
Outside of the school day, Jerilynn founded the Odyssey Community Music Club, where more than 40 students gather weekly after school to jam, collaborate, and create music together, and conducts the Spokane Youth Symphony Sinfonietta.
Additionally, Tim Blaydon, Director of Bands at North Central, received the Regional Music Educator of the Year Award for the Spokane Falls Music Educators Association (SFMEA).
“In his four years at NC, Tim has totally revamped the program. After decades of without one, Tim started what is now growing and thriving jazz programs,” shared Ben Brueggemeier, SFMEA president and Ferris High School Band Director. “Tim has nurtured a culture that has his students excited to pay in the pit orchestra of school musicals, motivated to engage in auditions for All-State and All-Northwest student events and energized to participate in regional and state solo and ensemble festivals!”
Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Carol Pederson was also inducted into the 2026 Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame this year,
Congratulations to these outstanding music educators!