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Columbus Symphony honors Pickerington educator
A Pickerington resident has been honored with the Columbus Symphony’s 2012 Music Educator Award.
The award honors individuals who make a difference in the community through a dedication to music education and their efforts to promote a greater understanding and appreciation for music education.
Three nominees were selected to receive a 2012 Music Educator Award in the categories of elementary, secondary and community education.
John S. Long, choral director at Pickerington High School Central, received the secondary education award.
Long will receive a $2,500 grant to be spent at his discretion on a broad range of music education endeavors.
Long is in his 38th year as the director of vocal music and chairman of the music department at Pickerington High School Central. His entire professional career has been spent educating high school students in the Pickerington Local School District.
A graduate of Capital University, Long actively participated in their Men’s Glee Club and Chapel Choir. He earned a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in choral music from The Ohio State University and functioned as graduate student conductor of the University Chorus.
Long’s choirs have earned superior ratings in state competitions and won national honors. They have actively performed throughout the central Ohio area and most recently performed at Walt Disney World.
Support of his students’ musical interests outside of the classroom setting has been a priority. Long has had multiple students involved in the Ohio Music Education Association All State Choir, the Singing Buckeyes Harmony Camp, and the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir. Long has served on the advisory board of the Youth Choir and was the 2011 recipient of its Distinguished Service Award.
Along with his high school choirs, Long is Music Director of the Helvetia Maennerchor and Edelweiss Damenchor of the Columbus Swiss Singers. He is currently in his 33rd year in this position.
In addition to his musical activities, Long is a retired coach of 30 years in cross country and track.
Long and his wife Cynthia reside in Pickerington. They enjoy attending Buckeye football games, traveling and antiquing, as well as spoiling their two granddaughters.
The Columbus Symphony will present the winners with their awards at a brunch April 1 at the Westin Hotel. Tickets to the awards brunch are $50 and may be purchased by calling (614) 221-4916. The event includes a performance by the Columbus Symphony.
For more information, go to www.ColumbusSymphony.com.
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