9-18-2025 9:30am

Towson Teacher

Cromwell Valley music teacher Terri Iacarino steps into the spotlight

A wild and wonderful start to the school year

For three days, Theresa Iacarino, vocal music teacher at Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, stepped out of the classroom and into the spotlight.

As one of 30 teachers named Music Teachers of Excellence by the County Music Association (CMA) Foundation, she was flown to Nashville to meet the other winning teachers, engage in professional development, be feted at a gala celebration, and receive a $5,000 award.

“It was a wild start to the school year.” - Terri Iacarino

The celebration began on September 9 with a reception for the honored teachers. “The next day, we went to CMA headquarters for professional development,” Iacarino says. “KJ Rose, a motivational speaker, reminded us to ‘use our star power’ in the classroom. Another speaker talked about the importance of equity and inclusion in the arts. They also took professional headshots of each of us.”

That evening the stars came out to honor the teachers at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. “We entered on a red carpet,” Iacarino says, “and they made a Walk of Fame with individual posters on columns and stars on the floor celebrating each of us. The Walk of Fame was gorgeous – all decked out!”

The theme of the evening was “Life’s Moments through Music,” and the program included performances by country soul artist Drake White; gospel vocalist and Nashville Public Schools music teacher Nate Bean (performing with 4Given and the Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir); CMA Award-nominated artist Caylee Hammack; Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, led by former Music Teacher of Excellence Johnny Croft; and CMA Award-winning hitmaker Jon Pardi. In addition, motivational speaker Carlos Whittaker shared reflections on purpose, resilience, and the power of music in everyday life; actor/musician Charles Esten personally recognized all 30 honorees; and songwriter Nicolle Galyon offered an intimate look at the impact of educators on creativity and careers.

Iacarino on the Walk of Fame

PHOTOS HERE

In a news release, Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation executive director, said, “Music Teachers of Excellence is about more than one night of recognition – it is a testament to the life-changing power of music education. Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, sparks their creativity, and gives them the confidence to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. This year’s honorees remind us that investing in teachers means investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the very heartbeat of our culture.”

Iacarino notes, “The event was outstanding. There was so much networking. I made new friends for life. Now my goal is to uplift some of my colleagues to apply to this program. It is such an unknown award in this area but so impactful. We have been a county of excellence for music for 20 years and have so many amazing music educators. This is an opportunity for them to receive well-deserved recognition.”

Applications for the 2026 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Awards are due on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Using drums to build community

Iacarino plans to use her cash award to bring world-renowned drum circle specialist Nellie Hill to Cromwell Valley Elementary for two weeks this fall.

“I could have used the funding to buy equipment or more instruments,” Iacarino says, “but having core memories and experiences really touches the hearts of people.”

“Drumming for me,” she continues, “is a tool for building community.” She notes that, “Because Cromwell Valley is a magnet school, students come from all over the county and don’t always get to see each other outside the school. Making music together helps them feel engaged and welcome.”

“Making music together can also be a creative outlet for mental health,” she says. “It promotes true listening and allows students to express themselves nonverbally. Drum circles also build social skills and empathy.”

Iacarino notes that Hill is an ethnomusicologist who can teach students about the role of drums in different cultures around the world.

Another reason Iacarino is excited about Hill’s residency at the school is the timing. “Every year, near the end of each quarter, we hold a Joy Assembly. Students sing, dance, read a story, and sometimes we have special guests. It looks like the timing might work out so that Nellie Hill will be here for our first Joy Assembly of the school year.”