Every year, a special teacher wins an award: the Virginia String Teachers Association’s Outstanding Orchestra Teacher of the Year. This year, our own Ms. Devyn Wilcox won the award.
Ms. Wilcox received her award on Nov. 16. It was a Friday morning and the email was the first one she saw.
“I was surprised!” she said. “Surprised and honored.”
This award is designed to recognize string teachers who have advanced the cause and level of string playing and teaching in the state of Virginia. Ms. Wilcox challenges her students with more advanced music than in elementary school and motivates them to be the best string students and players.
“I want them to have something they can have for a lifetime,” Ms. Wilcox said.
Ms. Christen Reddig, our chorus teacher, was one of the people who wrote something about Ms. Wilcox and submitted it in the nomination process. She wrote that Ms. Wilcox invests her time in strings, is energetic, and always goes above and beyond. Ms. Wilcox once decorated her classroom with floating candles for Harry Potter Day.
Ms. Wilcox believes that string teachers like her have the opportunity to receive this award so teachers are recognized and appreciated. Ms. Wilcox has been here for five years and loves RCMS because of the students here.
“First off students,” she said, “they are special and hard-working and I believe they really enjoy music-making.”
One of Ms. Wilcox’s favorite memories was when her symphonic orchestra finished their last piece in a concert.
“I can’t describe the feeling!” Ms. Wilcox said. “It’s magical!”
Ms. Wilcox is a big Swiftie and is an amazing teacher. Fellow teachers have memorable moments with Ms. Wilcox.
“On the Busch garden trip in 2022, she wanted the pineapple drink with the whipped cream and all,” Ms. Reddig said. “When we finally found it, she was so happy, and we have a photo of her holding her pineapple with a big smile.”
Naomi Varkey, 13, of All-Stars, said her favorite memory was in the winter assembly, when Ms. Wilcox wore funny Grinch gloves while “You’re a Mean One” played to show her support.
“I’m just really happy for her,” Naomi said, “she’s a really talented orchestra teacher and deserves that award!”
