On a day filled with celebration and birthday wishes, Boston Latin School Visual and Performing Arts Program Director Ms. Margaret McKenna was named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award!
According to the Grammys, “The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.”
Ms. McKenna’s path to this national recognition has been shaped by over a decade of dedication and leadership. Now in her 15th year at BLS, she currently conducts the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as the Pep Band after school during the fall. Under her leadership, BLS bands have secured numerous medals at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association Concert Festival; this year, Symphonic Band took home Gold while Wind Ensemble earned Silver.
The Grammy Music Educator Award honors teachers who have made a real, measurable impact on their students, and Ms. McKenna is a prime example of just that. Selected as one of just 200 quarterfinalists nationwide, she stands out for her deep commitment to student growth, both musically and personally. “The music department is the only place where a student can have a consistent teacher their entire four or six years [at BLS]. I think that is just such a rewarding experience to see someone grow and flourish into their true selves […] here,” says Ms. McKenna.
As the Visual and Performing Arts Program Director, Ms. McKenna’s responsibilities include overseeing the visual art, theater and music sectors at BLS. She works from behind the scenes to ensure that all these programs run smoothly.
One of her most cherished memories is not tied to a performance or award, but rather a tradition — saying goodbye to seniors at graduation: “We give them their cords and we do a little speech. That’s my favorite part about everything that we do: just seeing them grow.”
Being named a Grammy Music Educator Award quarterfinalist is a testament to Ms. McKenna’s tireless dedication to her students and to the arts department. Her work has and continues to shape the experiences of hundreds of students each year.