Fairfax County Public Schools announced on Mar. 9 that March is National Arts in Our Schools Month, emphasizing the role of arts education in developing student creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. The announcement highlighted the contributions of educators and students across the district.
The importance of arts education was underscored by recognizing Andrew Sharrock, band teacher at Glasgow Middle School, who was named Outstanding Secondary School Teacher at last year’s Honors celebration. Sharrock was nominated by a parent who described him as the “number one cheerleader for his students,” noting his pride in their efforts to learn and improve. Over seven years at Glasgow, Sharrock expanded the band program from 160 to more than 300 students and developed six concert ensembles and a jazz band. A colleague said, “Students want to be in his classroom, a part of his program.”
Sharrock’s ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at district assessments. In 2024, the Glasgow Middle School Wind Ensemble became the first Title I school in Fairfax County Public Schools history to perform a featured concert at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference. Principal Lisa Barrow said, “Mr. Sharrock’s unwavering dedication to his students, his commitment to excellence, and his exceptional achievements in music education make him an outstanding candidate for the FCPS Teacher of the Year award.”
The district also spotlighted Brandon Morris, music teacher at Chesterbrook Elementary School and finalist for Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher. Morris connects classical music with contemporary experiences by teaching students about Georg Frideric Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” through its connection to soccer anthems. He said, “Music really has that power to emotionally drive us forward, and for us to be able to come together — whether that be for a royal coronation, a soccer championship, or for your next GarageBand project.”
Four teachers from Fairfax County Public Schools were among thirteen public middle and high school teachers awarded grants from Wolf Trap Foundation for Performing Arts this year. The grants support innovative performing arts projects such as commissioning new musical works, collaborative theater pieces with senior citizens, reimagined productions addressing environmental issues using recycled materials, and ensemble-based plays inspired by Shakespeare.
All grant recipients will participate in workshops and performances at Wolf Trap venues this spring as part of ongoing efforts to enrich arts education throughout Northern Virginia.
