Each year, Marin Symphony recognizes two music teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching and exceptional commitment to their students – one from the school system, and one from the private sector.
Awards are presented onstage during the concert season.
Past presenters have included: Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Mary Jane Burke; Marin County Supervisor, Kate Sears; and Marin Symphony Principal Violist, Jenny Douglass.
Awards are presented onstage during the concert season.
Past presenters have included: Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Mary Jane Burke; Marin County Supervisor, Kate Sears; and Marin Symphony Principal Violist, Jenny Douglass.
2025
Presenter - Andrei Gorchov, Marin Symphony Education Director
Spiro Tsingaris
Tamalpais High School
For the past 24 years, Mr. Tsingaris has dedicated himself to fostering musical excellence and inspiring students at Tamalpais High.
A native of San Francisco, Mr. Tsingaris has an extensive and diverse musical background. He has performed with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus under the direction of Vance George and Michael Tilson Thomas, served as the Choral Director at the First Baptist Church of San Francisco, and contributed as a guest lecturer in the Lark Theater’s Great Films Great Scores series. Additionally, he is a fiddle player and vocalist with the Bluegrass/Gospel group Fret Not and an Assistant Director with the San Francisco Boys Chorus.
Viviana Garcia, a former student and accomplished musician, reflects on Mr. Tsingaris’ profound impact: “I have always admired Mr. Tsingaris for his work at Tamalpais High School. It is inspiring to see him teach jazz band, choir, symphonic orchestra, percussion, and concert band with high musical excellence, humor, and kindness. I would not be the music educator and professional violinist I am today without having had him as my music teacher in high school.”
Viviana Garcia, a former student and accomplished musician, reflects on Mr. Tsingaris’ profound impact: “I have always admired Mr. Tsingaris for his work at Tamalpais High School. It is inspiring to see him teach jazz band, choir, symphonic orchestra, percussion, and concert band with high musical excellence, humor, and kindness. I would not be the music educator and professional violinist I am today without having had him as my music teacher in high school.”
Dana Philips, Private Studio: Violin and Viola
Dana’s journey into music began in a home filled with melodies. Her mother played Clementi, Beethoven, and Chopin on piano, and her father introduced her to classical and Indian music on the phonograph. While Dana’s music career began in high school, she soon played professionally at prestigious organizations such as Tanglewood, Aspen, and the Santa Rosa Symphony.
To fund her education, Dana began teaching. She holds degrees in music and education and credits her early instructors for shaping her path: Charles Meacham (violin), Marcele Gallez (piano), and Ruth Sudmeier (viola).
Violinist Clive Baker, reflects: “From the first lesson, her tenacity and high standards were evident in every detail, from posture to uncovering the character of each piece. Dana believed in me long before I believed in myself. Thanks to her guidance, I’m now first chair of my high school orchestra and have been part of The Marin Symphony Youth Program for seven years. Dana pushes all her students to play with confidence and respect for the music. Her dedication and belief in our potential have shaped not only my musicianship but also my character.”
Violinist Clive Baker, reflects: “From the first lesson, her tenacity and high standards were evident in every detail, from posture to uncovering the character of each piece. Dana believed in me long before I believed in myself. Thanks to her guidance, I’m now first chair of my high school orchestra and have been part of The Marin Symphony Youth Program for seven years. Dana pushes all her students to play with confidence and respect for the music. Her dedication and belief in our potential have shaped not only my musicianship but also my character.”
2024
Presenter - Andrei Gorchov, Marin Symphony Education Director
Cayce Carnahan
Mill Valley Middle School
Over the past 25 years, I have made Marin my home, and feel fortunate to have landed in a community that places such a high value on the arts. In addition to teaching at Mill Valley Middle, I have worked with the Marin Youth Symphony in various positions, have taught music courses at College of Marin, have coordinated county honor bands, and am a guest instructor at Northern CA summer music camps. In addition to teaching, I am a professional trumpet player with bands and ensembles throughout the Bay Area, including Marin Symphony. I am honored to receive this award, and want to thank everyone at Marin Symphony for their unwavering support of music education. I am proud to teach in such an amazing community.
Wendy Loder, Private Studio: Violin
Wendy studied with Charles Meacham, Serban Rusu & James Carter, attended San Domenico School, and graduated cum laude from Dominican University. At 17, she was accepted into Marin Symphony, performing regularly until joining the San Francisco Opera Chorus as a singer.
Wendy has played violin on film sound tracks, radio & TV commercials, as well as her own recordings, and with numerous Bay Area symphonies and ensembles. She is the musical director of the Lawrence String Groups, providing ensembles for hundreds of special events.
Wendy directs music for the Trinity Lutheran Church, and was on the faculty at San Domenico School.
Many of her string ensemble arrangements are available at Sheet Music Plus. She is happily married and the proud mother of two beautiful daughters.
2023
Allison McIvor, San Marin High School
Brenda Schuman-Post
Private Studio: Oboe
2022
Presenter - Jenny Douglass
Miriam Perkoff, Private Studio: Cello
Ella and Steve Steinberg, Miller Creek Middle School
Michael Grossman (not pictured), Private Studio: violin
2019
Presenter - Jenny Douglass & Kate Sears
Dawn Madole, Private Studio: violin
Shahrazad Vakharia, Miller Creek Middle School
2018
Mike Martinez, Kent Middle School
David Horn, Private Studio: Double Bass
2017
Presenter - Jenny Douglass & Mary Jane Burke
Mateo Dillaway, Venetia Valley K-8
Meg Eldridge, Private Studio: Viola
2016
Presenter - Jenny Douglass & Mary Jane Burke
Dana Trillo, Davidson Middle School
Steven Bergman, Private Studio: Clarinet
2015
Phoebe Dong, Mill Valley Middle School
Katie Dennis, Private Studio: French Horn
2014
Presenter - Mary Jane Burke
Jeremiah Jacks, White Hill Middle School
Patricia Miner, Private Studio: violin
