Fresno State’s faculty and alumni shine at 2024 CASMEC Awards

Last week, the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) brought together music educators, students and professionals from across the state to celebrate the contributions and achievements within the music educator’s community. It was a proud moment for the Fresno State Music Department as faculty and alumni were among the recipients of this year’s prestigious awards.

Leading the accolades was Dr. Gary Gilroy, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Fresno State, who was honored with the CBDA David Goedecke Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is a testament to Dr. Gilroy’s lifelong dedication to music education, his exceptional teaching and his impactful contributions to the music community at Fresno State and beyond. His passion for music and education has not only enriched the lives of countless students but has also set a high standard for excellence in our field. 

The celebration continued as we acknowledged the achievements of our remarkable alumni, whose contributions to music education have earned them statewide recognition:

• Lisa Butts, a proud Fresno State alumna with a BA in Music, was awarded the CASMEC Medal of Honor Award for her tireless work as an advocate for jazz and music education in the Central Valley for decades.
• Michael Gutierrez, who graduated with a BA in Vocal Music Education, received the CMEA Pearson Scott Foresman/Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award for his years of dedicated service, his ability to form healthy relationships with students and his love for the community.
• Ken Rawdon, holding both a BA and MA in Music from Fresno State, was named the CCDA Choral Director of the Year. Although retired from full-time teaching, Rawdon is still contributing to the corral community at community college and community choirs.
• Dr. Phil Vallejo, with a BA in Music Education and an MA in performance in conducting from Fresno State, was honored with the CBDA Distinguished Service Award. Vallejo served as the President of the California Band Directors Association for two years, creating workshops and expanding access to resources for the next generation of band directors.

Congratulations once again to Dr. Gary Gilroy, Lisa Butts, Michael Gutierrez, Ken Rawdon, and Dr. Phil Vallejo. Your accomplishments inspire us all and exemplify the best of what Fresno State’s College of Arts and Humanities has to offer!

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ChatGPT contributed to this report.