Radnor Middle School Orchestra Director Recognized for 'Making a Difference'

The following was submitted for publication by Radnor Township School District.

Radnor Middle School orchestra director Elaine Sloan has been recognized by School Band & Orchestra (SBO) magazine as one of the “50 Directors Who Make A Difference.” 

The magazine highlights an educator from each state; Sloan serves as the representative from Pennsylvania.

"I am thrilled that my sincere work with students of all skill levels is recognized because I feel the value of learning an instrument can play a role in both the musical and academic success of all students," said Sloan, who currently teaches 156 instrumental students in the middle school orchestra. 

SBO’s 16th annual end-of-year report shines a spotlight on outstanding music educators from across the United States. These educators are nominated by SBO readers who have submitted stories of their peers and mentors whom they admire. After considering all entries, the magazine's editorial staff elects a representative from each state.

"I was very shocked and honored to be chosen as the representative for Pennsylvania," Sloan said. "The policy of this publication is to not reveal the nominator of the winner, which makes this award particularly mysterious as there are many, many wonderful and qualified instrumental music educators across the Commonwealth."  

According to Sloan on the SBO website, the key to a successful career in music education is a simple philosophy: all students have the gift of music and it takes a patient, gifted teacher to draw out those gifts and make them shine. Sloan is an educator whose love for music transcends the written note and lies with the passion of seeing her students succeed.

Read more about Sloan and the other representatives on the SBO website.