Outstanding Music Educators Awarded
Fidelity FutureStage Award

On January 23, 2008 Fidelity Investments and the Houston Symphony announced the five music educators chosen to receive the 2008 Fidelity FutureStage Awards, honoring individuals who passionately and selflessly dedicate themselves to the advancement of youth music programs.

The five honorees, representing four school districts and one private school in the Houston area, were nominated for the award by fellow educators and the general public. A panel of Houston Symphony musicians and administrators reviewed the many nominations, and selected the winners based on exceptional actions, accomplishments and consistency of service.

The following honorees were recognized during the Salute to Educators Concert at Jones Hall on January 29, 2008.

• Jami Lupold, Pearl Hall Elementary (Pasadena ISD) - Outstanding Classroom Music Specialist
• Janwin Overstreet-Goode, Friendswood High School (Friendswood ISD) - Outstanding Choral Director 
• Donald Thoede, St. Thomas High School (Private) - Outstanding Instrumental Music Director – Band 
• Shirley Astwood, Riverwood Middle School (Humble ISD) – Outstanding Instrumental Music Director – Strings 
• Bryan Buffaloe, Bay Area Youth Symphony and Clear Lake High School (Clear Creek ISD) - Special Fidelity FutureStage Award 

In addition to the Fidelity FutureStage Award, each of the five winners received a check for $1,000 to benefit their individual music programs and a page from the score of Solstice for Trombone and Orchestra, composed by Cindy McTee and autographed by Houston Symphony Music Director Hans Graf.