SE Valley Times

Greenfield Junior High music teacher Sara Duce has received the O.M. Harsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award. This award is given to educators who demonstrate exceptional ability in music education, and it recognizes Duce's significant impact on her students and colleagues.

"It is a true privilege and an honor to receive this award," said Duce. "While my name is on it, this recognition is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of my students. Their passion for music is what makes teaching so rewarding, and I'm grateful to share this honor with them."

Duce noted that although the award does not include a monetary prize, it highlights the success of Greenfield Junior Orchestra's program, which consistently earns top ratings at state festivals.

In addition to traditional orchestra instruction, Duce encourages her students to explore various musical styles. As co-founder and co-director of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, she inspires creative collaboration among students. This initiative has led them to perform at both state and national conferences such as the Arizona Music Educators Conference and the National String Teachers Conferences. Her efforts have also resulted in a unique elective at Greenfield Junior High where students create original arrangements of folk and pop songs.

"I love teaching in Gilbert because of the incredible community support of music education," Duce emphasized. "There is a reason that I have been at the same school for 25 years; the families here are wonderful!"

Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) remains committed to providing quality music education, having been recognized as the Best Community For Music Education for five consecutive years. GPS aims to make music an integral part of its educational offerings.