Brock piano instructor and alumna Christina Le Rose (BA ’07, Bed ’10) has been recognized by the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for her longstanding commitment to inspiring young musicians.

Le Rose was named as the winner of the 2018 Paul van Dongen Memorial Award for Excellence in Music Education, which recognizes an outstanding teacher of music at the elementary level and the impact that teachers of the arts have on students.

The award was established in 2017 as part of the Champion of the Arts initiative. It is presented annually in honour of the late van Dongen, who was a conductor, music educator and long-time member of the NSO.

“I am extremely honoured and profoundly humbled to receive the Paul van Dongen Memorial Award for Excellence in Music Education,” Le Rose said. “Being recognized as a champion of the arts further inspires me to continue Mr. van Dongen’s outstanding legacy of music education through both teaching and performing.”

Le Rose was given the award for her work with the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), where she is an itinerant arts music teacher at St. Ann and St. Martin Catholic elementary schools.

She has also worked for the NSO Academy and Summer Music Camp as a piano and vocal instructor, giving private music lessons, conducting master classes, coaching chamber ensembles and preparing students for concerts.

“I love the enthusiasm, creativity and initiative that young musicians often display and enjoy working with them because I can help cultivate their passion for and enjoyment of music,” she said. “Having the opportunity to inspire, motivate and empower young students through music education is an incredible privilege for which I am truly grateful.”

Brock Department of Music Chair Matthew Royal extended his congratulations to Le Rose for the award and her accomplishments as an educator.

“Christina Le Rose is well known to us in the Department of Music, not only as an alumna of our program, but also as an excellent studio teacher of our piano students,” he said. “We are delighted, but not at all surprised, that a further aspect of her teaching, namely her activities in the elementary school classroom, has also received recognition in the form of this important award from the Niagara Symphony.”

Brock has a longstanding history of partnership and collaboration with the NSO, which includes the hosting of Brock students with the symphony, offering masterclass opportunities and working with students in the Brock Music Practicum course.

Brock is also the NSO’s new Arts in Niagara sponsor, which will contribute to the overall operations of the symphony.

Niagara Symphony Orchestra Music Director Bradley Thachuk said it is an honour to celebrate Le Rose’s efforts with this award.

“The Niagara Symphony Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to music education is reinforced by the work of gifted music educators in schools across Niagara,” he said. “Christina Le Rose is noted for a willingness to incorporate music across the curriculum. This reflects our shared belief that music is integral to learning and that musical knowledge, as with literacy and numeracy, is vital to young people’s development.”