LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Philander Smith graduate is this year’s Grammy Award-winning music educator.
Adrian Maclin received his award this past weekend at the 67th annual Grammy Awards.
Maclin became an educator 20 years ago and is the Director of Choirs at Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He teaches over 100 students how to get the perfect note.
“I want kids to know that music has a path to anything you want to do in life,” Maclin said.
On his journey to education, he went to Philander Smith where he graduated with a love of teaching.
“I am a proud graduate of Philander Smith. It speaks mountains of what historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are capable of producing,” Maclin said.
He said he was nominated for the award by his former choir teacher and another friend. After passing many rounds during the nomination process, he received a call from Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy.
“Once he said I would be the Music Educator Award recipient I kind of screamed in his ear, there were so many emotions,” Maclin said.
Maclin was one of thousands nominated for the award meant to bring attention to the impactful work being done by music teachers across the United States.
He traveled with his daughter to attend the ceremony during Grammy weekend in Los Angeles where he met many celebrities but came back with hope this would inspire his students and those in Arkansas.
“I tell them all the time no one can beat you at being you, you just be the best you,” Maclin said.
He said there is nothing like the importance of music.
“Music is my entire life. I used to take my toys and line them up like a choir and direct them, so this is full circle,” he said.
Maclin said he wants every student to remember that even if they don’t want to be a performer, producer or a songwriter, there are other jobs they can have in the music industry that can make their dreams come true.