Vestavia Teacher Named Quarterfinalist For National Music Award

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL - A Vestavia Hills teacher is in the running for a national music award. Deanna Bell, a music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, is a quarterfinalist for the 2019 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.

Just 188 teachers on the K-12 and collegiate level were named quarterfinalists. Bell is one of two quarterfinalists in Alabama.

“I’m very excited to be considered for this honor,” Bell said. “It’s only possible because of the amazing community we have in Vestavia Hills and their support of music education.”

The award recipient will be recognized in February in the lead-up to the 2019 Grammy Awards. Teachers who advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds will receive cash grants for themselves and their schools.

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 Schools