Niagara Symphony Orchestra congratulates Dr. Christina Le Rose! 

The Niagara Symphony Orchestra congratulates Dr. Christina Le Rose, winner of the 2018 Paul van Dongen Memorial Award for Excellence in Music Education, part of the Champion of the Arts initiative.  Established in March 2017 to recognize the impact teachers of the arts have on students, the NSO’s annual award celebrates an outstanding teacher of music at the elementary level.  

Dr. Le Rose was nominated by the principal at St. Vincent de Paul C.E.S., who noted that “she integrates song-writing with language, theory with math, and composer biographies with History and Geography, showing students that music can be used to enrich and transform the lives of people around the world.  Her commitment to inspiring and nurturing a love of music makes Christina a Champion of the Arts.”

An itinerant Arts Elementary School Music teacher for the Niagara Catholic District School board, Dr. Le Rose currently teaches at St. Ann and St. Martin schools.  As part of the award, Dr. Le Rose and her class from St. Ann attended a performance of the NSO’s Classical Family concert Game On! and toured backstage at the concert hall.  Her many accomplishments will also be recognized at an upcoming meeting of the NCDSB board of directors, and at an assembly at her school later this year.  

Commented Dr. Le Rose:  “I am extremely honoured and profoundly humbled to receive the Paul van Dongen Memorial Award for Excellence in Music Education.  Having the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and empower students through music education is an incredible privilege for which I am truly grateful.” 

Paul van Dongen was a long-time member of the NSO, a conductor, and gifted music educator who founded both the Summer Music Camp and the Niagara Youth Orchestra.  The NSO is honoured to celebrate his memory by recognizing Dr. Christina Le Rose, who continues Paul’s legacy of music education.