DUBLIN — Dublin Coffman High School band director Jeremy Bradstreet is among 10 finalists across the country for the 2018 Grammy Music Education Award.

The award was established to recognize educators who have “made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education,” according to the Grammy Awards’ website, as well as those who show a commitment to music education in the schools. 

Bradstreet learned last summer he was nominated by the parent of a student. 

“It did make this even more special,” he explained. “We get to see the kids every single day, but to know that the kids are going home and excited about our program and mom and dad know they're excited about the program and what we're doing here definitely makes it special.” 

To be considered for the quarter finals and finals, Bradstreet teamed up with marching band members, school leaders, and alumni to produce three videos to answer questions about how he has made a difference in students’ lives, and how he's making a lasting contribution to the field of music. 

His students said Bradstreet’s lessons strike a chord beyond the music room. 

“He really helps students not only develop as band students but as young adults. I think I've learned a lot about work ethic and what it means to be a great musician,” said senior Sophia Longo. 

Bradstreet graduated from Dublin High School in 1991, where he was a percussionist. He has been band director at Dublin Coffman High School for the past 14 years. He found out recently he won't be bringing home any hardware, but says the experience has been humbling and unforgettable. 

“Great music comes out of dedication, and commitment, and discipline and teamwork and eventually leadership opportunities. But that is what we're trying to do here at Dublin Coffman High School and those are the things we talk about. Very rarely have I considered this to be a job. And I think that's a defining moment of whether you like what you do or not. To be with those kids on a daily basis, regardless of what age they are, it just makes your job really exciting and something I enjoy to everyday," says Bradstreet. 

As a finalist, and the only representative in Ohio, Bradstreet will receive a $1,000 prize and Dublin Coffman High School will receive a matching grant.