Rancho Santa Margarita Teacher Named Grammy Award Semifinalist

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — For the second year in a row, the GRAMMY Foundation and the Recording Academy have selected Tesoro High School Choral Music Director Keith Hancock as a top contender for their Music Educator Award.

"Tesoro's Choir Program is exceptional in many ways," the Capistrano School District said in recent release. "Tesoro High was made one of five GRAMMY Signature Schools in the nation and was given NAMM's Support Music Merit Award."

Under Hancock's tutelage, Titan singers have performed on stages around the world and in notable national venues like Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and New York City's Carnegie Hall.

Tesoro choirs have received multiple awards, including winning the Golden State Choral Competition and the Far Western District High School Quartet Championship. On two separate occasions, the Tesoro Madrigals have been asked to sing at the ACDA Western Division Conference, one of the highest honors a choir can receive according to the district.

"This group does far more than compete," they said. "it also uses its talent to help people in need. On October 27th and 28th, the Titan Choir performed a "Tribute to Jazz" to raise funds and support abused women in Africa.

Keith Hancock was named the Secondary Music Teacher of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. His vocal direction/musical accompaniment of Tesoro musicals helped the Titans win three OC Cappies Best Musical Awards.

"Hancock is a singer in his own right, and has appeared in many musicals and has performed onstage at Carnegie Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, and the Hollywood Bowl," they said. "As they determine the finalists for the 2017 Music Educator Award, the GRAMMY Foundation and the Recording Academy are seeking 'exemplars of the best in their field' who 'have made a measurable difference in the lives of their students'. Keith Hancock is phenomenally successful in his profession and he has made a positive impact on countless high school singers," the district stated. "It is an honor to have this talented teacher leading the students of Tesoro High."

Photo, Keith Hancock, Tesoro High School