The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Kim Hastings, a music teacher from Rocky Mountain House, poses for a photo with singer-songwriter Jann Arden during the Juno Awards in London, Ontario.

For music teacher Kim Hastings, the best part of attending the Juno Awards was hanging out with Jann Arden.

“I had a chance to spend some time with her … and that was absolutely the highlight for me,” Hastings said. “I think she’s an amazing role model … it was a real honour to meet her.”

Hastings attended the award weekend on March 16 and 17 in London, Ont., by virtue of being named teacher of the year by MusiCounts, an organization that advocates for access to music education for all Canadian children and youth. Hastings has spent 27 years at Pioneer School in Rocky Mountain House where she’s well known as an advocate for the value of music education. She’s also been active on the provincial level by serving with the Alberta Band Association.

Hastings received the award during a surprise presentation at her school in February. A video of the presentation was played at the Junos. The trophy Hastings received is the same as those presented to Juno winners.

“I am completely overwhelmed and humbled to receive this award. I love teaching middle school band and am passionate about the need to have music be a part of every child’s education,” Hastings said.

Several years ago Hastings successfully applied to MusiCounts for a $10,000 grant for instruments. This qualified her to be nominated for teacher of the year; parents in her community nominated her this year.

“My biggest philosophy, I think one of the things for sure that probably got noticed, was I believe strongly in music programs not being elitist and that they be available for all families and all students,” she said. ❚

See the video  The video of the award presentation is available for viewing online at www.musicounts.ca.