Stevens Park Elementary teacher wins award from Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra named Alfonso Manzanera of Stevens Park Elementary School as the winner of its Music Teacher of the Year Award.

“Music teachers make an important and positive difference in young people’s lives, yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve,” DSO Director of Education Jamie Allen said. “Everyone at the Dallas Symphony – on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience – was likely inspired by a music teacher at some point in their lives.”

Nominations were submitted to the DSO with an application and two letters of recommendation. Alfonso Manzanera was selected from a group of four finalists. The other three finalists were:

• Janet Behning, Obadiah Knight Elementary
• Crystal Hanks, David G. Burnet Elementary
• Michelle Vallejo, Eduardo Mata Elementary

The finalists and the winner were chosen by the DSO’s Education Committee, which is comprised of members of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Board of Governors, DSO League members, DSO musicians and members of the community at large.

Manzanera was presented with a plaque and recognized on March 23 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Manzanera also received a $500 cash award, underwritten by Rita Sue and Alan Gold.