IRMO, SC - Irmo Middle School band director Lorrie Turner has been named a “MusicEd Idol.” Turner was selected as one of twenty awardees nationwide and as part of the honor, she will receive a $1,000 grant for Irmo Middle School’s music education program.
“Receiving this grant was a great surprise,” Turner said. “Our former student and Newberry College music major, Courtney Vance, nominated me as her music idol. I started Courtney in beginner band and continued to teach her through high school because of our connection in marching band and flute. I am so thrilled she decided to become a band director and I am deeply touched by Courtney’s nomination. I cannot wait to use the grant funds to purchase new music for my students at Irmo Middle School!”
MusicEd Idol grants are made possible by 21st Century Fox and Give a Note Foundation. They were created to honor the legacy of Fox’s American Idol television show, the cultural phenomenon that created some of music’s biggest stars and inspired millions of young people to participate in school music programs across the country. Nominations are submitted by those who were inspired by music teachers to reach further, dig deeper and achieve on a higher level.
“I cannot think of another person deserving of this grant,” Vance said. “Mrs. Turner has meant so much to me in my music studies and she truly represents what a MusicEd Idol should be!”
Music is very near and dear to Turner’s heart. In addition to serving at the band director at Irmo Middle School, she is also the assistant director of bands at Irmo High School. She is formerly one of the Directors of Bands at CrossRoads Intermediate School where she taught for 14 years. She is a member of the Palmetto Concert Band, the Carolina Wind Symphony, directs the Palmetto Pipers flute choir and maintains a private flute studio of around 26 students.
“Mrs. Turner is a talented and inspiring teacher and musician,” said Irmo Middle School Principal Robert Jackson. “She has made a positive impact on so many students through her love of music and passion for teaching. She is indeed a Music Education Idol and is truly deserving of this honor.”
