For Susan Evoy, a first-time MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by CST Foundation, nominee, less isn’t always more. Susan demonstrates her expertise and dedication not only to one school in her community, but two.

As a music educator at St. Teresa’s Elementary and Waterford Valley High School, she has her hands full teaching string orchestra, concert and jazz band, and choir to students ranging from grades 2-5 and 10-12. Each school requires a vastly different set of skills, which she juggles concurrently with ease and - by many accounts - joy.

St. Teresa’s Elementary welcomes a broad demographic of students, including those who often see their needs go unmet. When it became clear that some families weren't able to afford instrument rentals and the school’s inventory ran short, she reached out to the local radio station to engage them in an instrument drive to make sure every kid had an instrument to use without having to share.

“Music brings joy to our lives, and music is for everyone,” Susan has said. As an active member of the musical community and a saxophone player for Ouroboros and 709, she lives this philosophy through and through. She shares resources amongst her peers, serves on provincial committees, and acts as a provincial liaison between music programs to ensure the profession is a connected community.

Susan Evoy of St. Teresa’s Elementary and Waterford Valley High School in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is one of five exceptional educators nominated for the 2023 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by CST Foundation. The award recognizes an exceptional music educator with a $10,000 cash prize, a generous donation to their school through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program, and a JUNO statuette.

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award was established in 2005 to recognize and honour an exceptional Canadian music teacher each year. This award is generously presented by the CST Foundation. To date, this award has celebrated the accomplishments of 17 music educators across Canada who strive to preserve the livelihood of music education in their school and community.