Terrill Road Music Teacher Quarterfinalist for Grammy Teacher Award

Terrill Road School music teacher John Gillick is among 17 New Jersey teachers who have reached the quarterfinal round for a new Grammy teacher award.

"It's an absolute pleasure to be honored amongst all these great educators," said Gillick, who is the school's 7th and 8th grade band director and also teaches the jazz band, marching band and a percussion ensemble. He has worked in the district since 2000.

The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (K – 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. A total of 217 music teachers from 195 cities across 45 states have been announced as quarterfinalists. In total, more than 30,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.

Gillick was nominated by a parent of a former student.

"The biggest thrill that I get out of teaching is the kids themselves," Gillick told Patch. "Every day they have a brand new energy, a brand new style, a new vibe, great stories. I encourage them to bring those stories to life through their music – be in the moment, play their instrument and get a result."

Gillick says he hopes that the band room is a second home for his students where "they can play their instruments and become the best they can possibly be, not just as musicians but as human beings, too."

He says one of his greatest experiences as a teacher is when students come back to visit and tell him they want to be a teacher or a perfomer because of him. 

This year's students were thrilled when Gillick told them he was a quarterfinalist.

"They first thing they asked was if they would be able to go to the Grammys," he laughed. "I told them 'You guys are part of the reason I was nominated and part of reason why I’m going to pursue further. This wouldn’t have happened without you. And I gave each one a high five."

To advance to the next round, Gillick will now create two videos – one about what he believes the music program offers the school and the students, and one of him working with the band.

A joint partnership and presentation of the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation, this special award will have its inaugural presentation at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony and Nominees Reception honoring recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustee Award, Technical Grammy Award during Grammy Week 2014.

As announced on the 55th Annual Grammy Awards by President/CEO of the Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation Neil Portnow, TV and radio host/producer and Grammy Foundation Honorary Board Chair Ryan Seacrest, and six-time Grammy winner Justin Timberlake, the award was open to current United States music teachers, and anyone could nominate a teacher — students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans and administrators. Teachers were also able to nominate themselves, and nominated teachers were notified and invited to fill out an application.

One recipient will be selected from 10 finalists each year, and will be recognized for his/her impact on students' lives. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award, attend the Grammy Awards ceremony, and receive a $10,000 honorarium. The nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists also will receive matching grants.