WCSU alumnus named semifinalist for music educator award

DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University alumnus Frank Gawle, a Wilton High School (WHS) teacher, has been named a semifinalist for the 2016 Music Educator Award, an annual prize presented by The Recording Academy, best known as the foundation that presents the Grammy Award.

Gawle, a native of Enfield, holds a master’s degree in music education from WCSU.

A music instructor and band director at WHS since 1981, Gawle said he was “honored, flattered and humbled” to be one of 25 national semifinalists for the award. More than 4,500 nominations were submitted nationwide.

The award is given to educators recognized to have made serious contributions to the field of music education.

In his time at WHS, Gawle has taught music theory and directed the high school’s band programs. Gawle noted that the local administration, teachers, parents and Board of Education have been “very supportive” of his work.

The winner of the award will be announced during Grammy Week later this month.

The winner will be flown to the host city of the Grammy Awards to attend the ceremony, accept the award and receive a $10,000 honorarium.

Jamie Begian, interim dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at WCSU said, “Frank (‘Chip’) Gawle has invited Western’s Jazz Orchestra to both perform and serve as clinicians for the Wilton Jazz Symposium he hosts every year, so I have had the opportunity to see his work up close. I cannot think of a more dedicated and talented educator than Chip Gawle. His dedication to the musical education of his students and his commitment to the musical life of the community is outstanding; that he has shown this dedication and commitment for over 30 years makes this award even more well-deserved.”

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.