Janet Kuntz named Music Educator of the Year 2025-2026
Spartanburg, SC - March 25, 2026
Janet Kuntz (middle with flowers) received the Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Educator of the Year Award on March 25, 2026.
The Spartanburg Philharmonic is proud to announce Janet Kuntz as the 2026 Music Educator of the Year, recognizing her outstanding dedication, leadership, and impact in music education. Janet Kuntz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering musical excellence and inspiring students of all ages. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, strengthening the broader arts community and cultivating a lifelong appreciation for music among her students.
Janet Kuntz has been a public-school music educator for 41 years. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Furman University in 1985. Janet received her Master of Music degree in flute performance at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL in where she was the student of Kim Stirzaker McCormick. Janet is a National Board Certified Teacher and has enjoyed teaching symphonic band, jazz band, marching band, color guard, as well as chorus and show choir groups. She has also received training in First Steps in Music and taught this curriculum to pre-school children for many years. Janet conducted the South Carolina Band Director’s Association Region Three Junior Concert Band in 2007 and was the 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year at Ewing Middle School in Gaffney, SC. Janet is currently the band director at McCracken Middle School and has led the program in receiving the South Carolina Band Director’s Association Outstanding Performance Award for the past two years. She is also an active member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters’ Fraternity, and Delta Kappa Gamma professional honorary society for women educators.
The award was presented to Janet Kuntz at McCracken Middle School on March 25, 2026 at a “National Music in our Schools Month” assembly held for all music students. Also in attendance was Master Sergeant James Miller, a former student of Janet Kuntz and current member of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” who performed for the crowd ahead of the award ceremony. In MSG Miller’s words: “Mrs. Kuntz embodies what it means to be a music educator and mentor. She always showed up, even after long, exhausting workdays of her own. … Mrs. Kuntz exemplifies the highest standard of teaching through her integrity, compassion, and selflessness, and I would not be the flutist, educator, or person I am today without her generosity and unwavering belief in me.”
The Spartanburg Philharmonic’s Music Educator of the Year Award is dedicated to honoring outstanding music educators in Spartanburg County. This prestigious award celebrates the exceptional dedication, creativity, and passion of local music teachers who inspire and cultivate a love of music in their students.
For more information about the event, or to nominate a Music Educator, contact the Spartanburg Philharmonic: (864) 948 - 9020.
Spartanburg Philharmonic Executive Director Kathryn Boucher (left), and Spartanburg Philharmonic Board Member Dr. Bill Scott (far right), present Janet Kuntz (center) with the Award.
Spartanburg Philharmonic Executive Director Kathryn Boucher (left), and Spartanburg Philharmonic Board Member Dr. Bill Scott (far right), present Janet Kuntz (center) with the Award.