In co-operation with its Provincial and Territorial Affiliates, the Canadian Music Educators’ Association seeks to recognize those who advance music education in any Canadian province, through building community or establishing significant collaborative efforts, with the CMEA/Acme Builders Award.

The NLTA Music Special Interest Council is pleased to present the 2017 Builders Award for Newfoundland & Labrador to Sarah Comerford.

Sarah Comerford currently teaches instrumental music and social studies at Macdonald Drive Junior High in St. John’s. She has received undergraduate degrees in music and music education and holds a masters degree in instrumental conducting from Memorial University of Newfoundland.  Active in the music community, Sarah has served on various music festival committees, is Past- President of the NLTA Music Special Interest Council, and performs with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and Lady Cove Women’s Choir.

The CMEA/Acme Builders Award is presented annually to a music educator who brings honour to the profession by demonstrating one or more of the following:

• Building a more unified community of music educators;
• Raising the profile of the value of music education in Canada;
• Making a significant contribution to inter-provincial or national initiatives in music education;
• Establishing sustainable collaborative initiatives in music education; and,
• Developing mentorship initiatives for newer and/or pre-service music educators.

Throughout her career thus far, Sarah has worked extremely hard to develop and build the music program not only for her school but for our province. She regularly acts as a cooperating teacher for interns from Memorial University, works tirelessly to find innovative ways to engage students, is a successful grant applicant for building the instrument inventory at her school and regularly presents professional development sessions to teachers across the province.

Elizabeth Ares, principal of Leary’s Brook Junior high writes “Sarah is the epitome of what it means to be a 'builder.' She is innovative, creative, collaborative, socially-just, flexible, hard working and dedicated. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and inspirational.”

Congratulations Ms. Comerford!