Music alumna Jacquie Dawson (centre) receives the Manitoba Band Association’s Award of Distinction from Bill Kristjanson and Simone Gendron
Top recognition for music alumni
Two Desautels Faculty of Music alumni recognized for outstanding contribution to music education
Two alumni of the Desautels Faculty of Music have been recognized for their contributions to music education.
Jacquie Dawson and Matt Abraham, both teaching music at Vincent Massey Collegiate, were honoured at TEMPO, the annual Manitoba Music Educators’ Association Conference in late October.
Dawson, who graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Master of Music in Conducting, received the Manitoba Band Associations’ highest honour, the Award of Distinction.
“For me, the award represents a tradition and the legacy that has been established in the Manitoba music community,” said Dawson. “It represents a tradition of community, excellence, mentorship and a shared love of teaching and making music together.”
Dawson credits her university degree for getting her to where she is today.
“This degree had a significant impact on my teaching and growth as a music educator,” she said. “The exposure I had to outstanding teachers, inspiring colleagues and a very comprehensive graduate program provided meaningful challenges that had a direct impact on my teaching.”
Matt Abraham received the Canadian Music Educators’ Association Builders Award for Newer Teachers, which recognizes those who advance music education in any Canadian province.
The award also recognizes Matt’s outstanding level of professional musicianship as demonstrated by his playing percussion in the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
“None of what I do would be possible without the experiences I had at the University of Manitoba, particularly in the Desautels Faculty of Music,” said Abraham, who graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Integrated Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education Program in 2011.
“In addition to the instruction I received, the relationships I developed with colleagues and professors and the community I was part of helped me prepare for my life as a music educator. I feel fortunate and grateful to be part of the strong and supportive music education community here in Manitoba.”