Wellesley High School Director of Choral Programs Dr. Kevin McDonald has been named one of 25 semifinalists for the 2023 Music Educator Award, an annual award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum.

The award recognizes current educators who have made “a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in schools,” according to the GRAMMY Awards announcement.

The 25 semifinalists are from 18 states and were selected from more than 1,205 initial nominations. In June, Dr. McDonald was announced as one of 207 quarterfinalists. The finalists will be announced in December, with the winner recognized during GRAMMY Week in February 2023.

“We are thrilled, but not surprised, by this well-deserved recognition of Dr. McDonald,” said Dr. David Lussier, Superintendent of Wellesley Public Schools. “He has built an outstanding choral program that provides not just exceptional music education, but fosters joy and creativity, and has inspired scores of students to pursue their
interest in performing arts beyond high school.”

Dr. McDonald has been part of the Wellesley High School faculty for 19 years. He directs the WHS Rice Street Singers, WHS Keynote Singers, WHS Song Sisters, WHS Brooks Brothers, and WHS Concert Choir as well as oversees and advises the 80-student afterschool A Cappella program.

The WHS Choral Ensembles have received numerous awards and distinctions over the years under the direction of Dr. McDonald, including Gold Medals at state festivals, performances at state and division music education conferences, and performances with professional organizations such as the Boston Pops Orchestra
and New York Voices. The Rice Street Singers have been named high school champion on WGBH TV show Sing That Thing.

About Wellesley Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools is a public school district in Wellesley, Massachusetts serving more than 4,000 students with one pre-K school, seven elementary schools, Wellesley Middle School and Wellesley High School. For more information, visit https://wellesleyps.org/