The Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA) named Emily Hornbake, orchestra director at Canyon Vista and Grisham middle schools, the recipient of their 2022 Young Educator Award. The award, which was established in 2019, honors outstanding Orchestra Directors in Texas with less than 10 years of teaching experience.

“I feel honored to have been chosen for this award given how many innovative and hardworking young orchestra directors I know,” said Hornbake. “As a teacher, I strive to create a strong sense of community within my program, a space where all students feel safe to make mistakes and learn and grow together. I am so lucky to be well supported and able to do this in Round Rock ISD.”

Emily received her Bachelor’s of Music in viola performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and her Master’s of Science in Music Education from Indiana University. Prior to moving to Austin, she taught in Katy, TX, for four years.