Annandale teacher Annie Ray wins a Grammy

Annandale orchestra director Annie Ray won the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award.

The announcement was made to the nation Feb. 1 on CBS Mornings with Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson. Ray will travel to the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb. 4 to officially receive the honor. 

Many of Ray’s students and colleagues joined her parents, her husband Irving, and two young daughters, Eloise and Millie, at an early morning watch party at Annandale, the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Office of Communications reports. There was a spontaneous eruption of cheers when Ray’s name was announced. 

“It’s been a whirlwind experience,” Ray said. “I’m so thankful to all the people who have poured love into me to allow me to make music. I am honored to have been selected from a remarkable group of educators.”

“Most of all I want to thank my students to whom this award actually belongs,” she said. “The love of making music has been our unity and community. Thank you all for allowing me to guide you in this. I am humbled to accept this award for you all.”

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Ray was selected from more than 2,000 initial nominations submitted from across all 50 states. She will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for Annandale’s music program.

This annual honor recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who also demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools.

“There is no one more deserving of this honor,” said Annandale Principal Shawn DeRose. “Her commitment to bringing music into the lives of all students, regardless of age or ability, has carried an impact throughout Atom Nation.”

“Annie is known for her passion, skill, and belief that every student can achieve greatness,” DeRose said. “She truly is an inspiration, and we are so proud of her.”

Ray routinely hosts events that bring the entire Annandale community together. Last week, she hosted Pizza & Pizzicato, where close to 400 strings and orchestra students from Annandale feeder schools came to AHS to perform in two back-to-back concerts.

Each season, she prepares the Annandale High School musicians for concerts that feature all of the AHS orchestras, including Crescendo, which includes students with intellectual disabilities, and the parent orchestra, which helps parents learn instruments alongside their child.

Last spring, Ray was honored as the 2023 FCPS Outstanding Secondary School Teacher.

“Annie is an exemplary Fairfax County Public School teacher – dedicated, compassionate, talented, and innovative,” said FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid. “We are grateful to Annie for everything she does to inspire her students every day. This award could not have gone to a more deserving teacher.”