P.E.I. music teacher wins national award
Ron Murphy honoured by Canadian Band Association
An Island music teacher has just won a prestigious national award from the Canadian Band Association.
The Canadian Band Association recently presented its 2017 National Band Award to Ron Murphy, Prince Edward Island music teacher, director, organizer and entrepreneur. The award is presented to an individual who has contributed to the promotion, growth, and development of the musical, educational, and cultural values of band throughout Canada. Of the 27 recipients to date, Mr. Murphy is the first Islander to receive the recognition.
Ron taught junior and senior high school students for 31 years in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. His performing groups, including concert bands, jazz bands, small ensembles and choirs, have achieved excellence, garnering acclaim in music performances and festivals across Canada, the United States, England, Ireland and France.
As well as directing his own students in the education system, he has provided musical direction to numerous other performing groups. He was conductor of Chester Brass Band, Bedford Community Band, “Dancing on a Swing”, a musical production associated with the Canada Winter Games, and now Great George Street Brass Band.
Murphy has been a board member and organizer for many music-related organizations and events including the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, the East Coast Music Awards, Maritime Band Association, the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival and the Fundy Sound Choral Festival.
Murphy’s support for bands extends into the field of music festivals and student travel. He has organized Atlantic Festival of Music for 22 successful years in Halifax, and five years in Ontario. Ron also operates School’s Out Tours, a tour company specializing in student educational travel with emphasis on performance arts tours.
He has studied at University of Prince Edward Island, Acadia University, University of Toronto and University of Calgary.