The Toledo Symphony named Matthew Shirey, a band director at Northwood Local Schools, as the recipient of its 2025 Outstanding Music Educator Award. The award, now in its sixth consecutive year, recognizes K-12 music educators in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Shirey is in his 12th year of teaching and his seventh year directing bands at Northwood Local Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Wayne State University and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Bowling Green State University. He currently chairs the OMEA D1 High School Honor Band and directs the BGSU Academy Band. Finalists for the award were Nathan Heath of Northview High School and Cecilia Johnson of Maumee Valley Country Day School.

Alain Trudel, TSO Music Director, said: “Often, as it was in my case, that person is our high school music teacher.” Shirey said: “I am beyond humbled to accept this award! Thank you to my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and students.”

Source: https://www.artstoledo.com/news/2025/03/22/tso-news/toledo-symphony-announces-2025-outstanding-music-educator-award-recipient/