Vestavia Teacher Named Grammy Music Educator Award Semifinalist

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL - A Vestavia music teacher is in line to be honored with a national award. Deanna Bell, music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, is a semifinalist for the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award. Bell was named last week to the list, which includes just 25 music teachers in the U.S.

Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their impact on students' lives. The winner will be flown to New York to attend the 61st Annual Grammy Awards and a range of Grammy week events. Nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants. Fifteen semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants, for which Bell is already qualified.

Bell has taught at Vestavia Hills Elementary East since 2013. During her tenure she has focused on technological innovation in music education through the implementation of Percussa AudioCubes, which enable students to compose music in real-time through the manipulation of small cubes connected to a synthesizer.

Bell also teaches all students how to play guitar starting in kindergarten and record their own songs by the time they reach third grade. The school holds annual music programs showcasing the students' talent on the guitar and several other world instruments.

Bell was named Vestavia Hills City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year during the 2016-17 school year. She is also an adjunct music instructor at UAB and conductor of the Birmingham Wind Ensemble.

"Deanna Bell is an outstanding candidate for this award," VHEE principal Mark Richardson said. "She strives to support our entire school in her activities and she's so innovative. It makes learning very exciting for our children."

Photo via Vestavia Hills City School