The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has named Samuel Holmes, a music specialist at Garden Hills Elementary School in Atlanta, a Music Teacher of Excellence.
Holmes teaches every student at Garden Hills Elementary School in Atlanta Public Schools and leads both a choral ensemble and an instrumental ensemble. He was first named a CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence in 2022, making this his second honor.
Each year, the Music Teacher of Excellence program supports 30 music teachers nationwide with classroom stipends, tailored professional development and an awards ceremony in Nashville, TN.
“The CMA Foundation recognizes public school music teachers who exemplify the dedication and commitment to their school communities and make music education a central part of the well-rounded public education we want for students,” said Tiffany Kerns, executive director of the CMA Foundation. “We’re honored to name Mr. Holmes as an MTOE for the second time and welcome him as a member of the 10th cohort of Music Teachers of Excellence.”
Recipients receive $2,500 to invest in their music classrooms and an additional $2,500 as a personal stipend. Honorees also participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader industry network, including curated experiences offering behind-the-scenes access to the business of country music, and attend an awards ceremony in Nashville.
Holmes plans to use his stipend to purchase new sets of Orff instruments and tubano drums.
Now in its 10th year, the program has honored more than 200 music teachers. This year’s recipients represent 12 states and work as choir directors, band directors, orchestra directors, percussion directors, general music teachers, piano teachers and fine arts department chairs.
