Northbrook Music Teacher Honored by Yamaha In '40 Under 40' Program

NORTHBROOK, IL — Jeremy Bartunek, a music teacher at Greenbriar School, is one of just six Illinois educators honored by Yamaha as part of its "40 Under 40" music program. He is also the children's choir director for Northbrook District 28.

"I'm very proud of Jeremy and appreciative of the hard work he puts into creating a safe and inspiring place for children to develop a love for music," Greenbriar Principal Dr. Ginny Hiltz said in a news release from the district. "He is surrounded by colleagues who support and believe in the importance of the arts in education. We all congratulate him on this honor."

Bartunek was also a semifinalist for the 2024 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum. In 2020, he received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

"I am so happy that I work in a place where the administration, community, and students support what I do and that what I do is worthy of this recognition," Bartunek said. "I am so grateful for the support of my administration because their support allows me to do the wonderful things that helped me to achieve this recognition."

According to the district, hundreds of nominations were submitted by students, parents, teachers, local instrument dealers and mentors, highlighting the music educators who positively impacted their community and students. This is the fourth year of the recognition.

"The six Illinois honorees possess action, courage, creativity and growth while going above and beyond when instructing music programs. The 40 Under 40 program honors music educators at all grade levels," Yamaha said in its announcement about the honors.

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