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Classical School is proud to congratulate our choir teacher, Jaclyn Kottman, on receiving the OUTSTANDING YOUNG CHORAL DIRECTOR AWARD from the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association at their state conference on January 13, 2018.

Established in 1993, this award honors teachers with ten or fewer years’ experience. In order to be considered for the award, candidates must be a current WCDA member who exhibit characteristics of a master teacher, including enthusiasm, energy, musicianship, student rapport, and professionalism; have made a considerable impact on the size, quality of performance, festival involvement, and visibility of the program; and/or have also made a commitment to the community through church or civic choral organizations, youth activities, or civic service organizations.

Upon presentation of the award, Dr. Stephen Sieck, President of WCDA, remarked, “Jaclyn Kottman changes lives every day. In her work with 5th-8th grade students in the Appleton Area School District and Lawrence Academy of Music Girl Choir program, she helps students find their voices. She believes that every student who comes into her classroom is a singer, and teaches them how to express themselves through song. Her pedagogical toolkit includes everything from extensive sight-reading and literacy training, to kinesthetic movement, to songs and rounds by ear, to improvisation. Jaclyn is integral to my community. I sleep better at night knowing that hundreds of pre-teens have a safe space to be themselves, loved and loving through music and Jaclyn’s leadership. She works with the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship leadership to thoughtfully incorporate Jewish traditions. She donates countless hours to the Mile of Music every summer to help the Fox Cities. Director of the Lawrence Academy of Music, Karen Bruno, praises her ‘thoughtfulness and leadership.’ Wisconsin has a bright future with a teacher like Jaclyn in our state.”