Meet the third of our 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year nominees — Alex Hutcheon from Cremona School in Cremona, AB.

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, recognizes and honours exceptional Canadian music teachers annually.

Tune in to The 2026 JUNO Awards on Sunday, March 29 where the winner will be announced, and on our website & social media platforms @MusiCounts.

What is the music program like at your school? And how did MusiCounts make an impact on those programs?

Cremona School is a relatively isolated Kindergarten to Grade 12 School located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Our music program starts in Kindergarten where students take General Music (focus on vocals [solfege], movement, pitched- and non-pitched percussion, ukulele, recorders, drumming, and literacy). Students begin their concert band journey in Grade 5. Currently, Cremona School has a Grade 5 & 6 band, junior high school concert band (Grade 7/8), high school concert band (Gr. 9-12) and a high school jazz band. Our groups have been recognized for their excellence provincially and nationally; most notably our junior high concert band received Gold in 2025 for their performance at MusicFest the Nationals at York University. Over the course of my time at Cremona School, the number of students participating in the Band program has grown exponentially. Our instrument inventory was not sustainable for the growth at which our music program was growing. The MusiCounts program has assisted in providing our students with adequate equipment to continue pursuing their passion and love of music. Our students and myself are extremely grateful for the contributions and generosity of the MusiCounts program.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?

Being nominated for the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award evokes intense feelings of gratitude and pride. I am grateful that I teach in a community that values and supports music education. I am grateful that every administrator at Cremona School prioritizes a high-quality music education and recognizes the benefits of having an excellent band program. I am proud to represent the K to 12 rural schools throughout our great nation. Most of the time, rural schools are overlooked and underappreciated, but I can speak from experience that the relationships and connections created in a K to 12 school are next to none. Finally, I am proud of all the young musicians at Cremona School, as this nomination is a direct result of their efforts and dedication.

Do you have a music teacher or mentor that has inspired you?

The music teacher/mentor that has been a major source of inspiration for myself is my high school band director, Kirk Wassmer. Kirk devoted 34 years as a music educator, majority of which as the band director at Didsbury High School. I was lucky enough to be a part of this program for 4 years, participating in both concert and jazz band. Kirk is highly respected within the band community, receiving the Elkhorn Award by the Alberta Band Association as Band Director of the Year in 2019, and the 2024 Keith Mann/NAC Orchestra Outstanding Band Director Award at MusicFest the Nationals in Toronto. Kirk's approach to music education, calm demeanor, drive for excellence and clear passion for music is what inspired me to become a band teacher. His source of inspiration did not end at high school as we eventually became colleagues in 2017 after I received a music teacher position in the neighbouring community. As a colleague, Kirk has been an invaluable source of wisdom, spearheading professional development opportunities, and has always been willing to collaborate with myself and my school bands. My students absolutely love when Mr. Wassmer walks through band room doors. I am forever grateful that Kirk has shared his passion for music with me as it truly changed the trajectory of my life.

What are you looking forward to doing at the 2026 JUNO Awards in Hamilton?

I am very much looking forward to all the live musical performances that are happening during the JUNO weekend. Full disclosure, I am a massive William Prince fan and noticed that he is confirmed as a performer for the Sunday evening live broadcast. The combination of William’s distinct/powerful vocals with his ability to pick a guitar is going to be breathtaking live. Should leave the audience “Breathless” (sorry, I couldn’t resist making a pun). I am also excited that my wife is going to be joining me for the entire experience. She is an amazing mother, a wonderful partner, and an incredible Kindergarten teacher. Needless to say she deserves some “Red Carpet” treatment.

*This interview was edited for clarity.