Natalie Wilson is definitely not singing the blues.
The Grass Valley Elementary School music teacher and vocal jazz instructor has received regional and national accolades for her work.
She was named the Outstanding Music Educator for the Lower Columbia River Music Education Association and will be honored at the state conference in Yakima.
“It’s exciting and I’m super humbled by this because I received the honor two times in a row,” Wilson said. “I know there are other teachers just as worthy. To receive it twice is amazing.”
But that’s just the start.
After presenting a Vocal Jazz Concepts lesson at a national Jazz Education Network conference in January, Wilson was approached by Sharon Burch, director of the education committee. She asked her to serve as kindergarten through eight-grade chairperson.
“I was so honored and humbled,” she said. “There’s always a part that knows I’ve worked really hard, but at the same time I think, ‘Why me?’ This is really a collaboration with the kids, supportive parents, school and community.”