Marysville's Rants named Seattle Symphony Educator of the Year

MARYSVILLE — John Rants, band director for the Marysville-Pilchuck High School campus, has been named this year's Seattle Symphony Educator of the Year.

After Rants received the award during a special celebration of the Seattle Symphony May 8, the Marysville School District Board of Directors added their congratulations during their June 21 meeting.

Rants was selected for the award from among hundreds of music educators in the region, and Board President Sherri Crenshaw praised him for what she cited as his many accomplishments and his leadership among area music educators, including his service as president of the Mt. Pilchuck Music Educators Association.

Under Rants' direction, the Marysville‐Pilchuck Band has appeared at dozens of regional events, including the homecoming celebration for the USS Ingraham, as well as the Portland

Rose Parade and the Macy's Holiday Parade in Seattle. In addition, Rants led the Marysville‐Pilchuck Band to win more than 20 first- and second-place awards in music competitions over the course of the past five years.

Crenshaw credited Rants with also preparing several promising students for success in individual music competitions.

"In this way, you add much to the life of our community," Crenshaw said. "We are proud that you do so much for the learning of our students. The benefits of a sound music education last a lifetime. Your talents and your efforts are an asset to all of us. You help our school district grow greatness."

Rants recalled that, when he spoke with Seattle Symphony Director Gerard Schwarz a year ago, Schwarz told him that he sees Marysville "as a light for music education."

Contact Marysville Globe Reporter Kirk Boxleitner at kboxleitner@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5052.

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