Jeremy Bartunek, a music teacher at Greenbriar School in Northbrook, is among six Illinois educators honored by Yamaha in its 40 Under 40 Music Program.
According to a news release, Bartunek joins Raymond William Cannon of Addison School District 4; Jena Combs, Director of Musical Activities for Flora High School; Jessica Corry, Band Director at Plank Junior High School in Oswego; Cale Patton, Music Teacher at Gillespie Technology Magnet Cluster School in Chicago; and Ben Pedersen, Director of Bands at Foreman College and Career Academy in Chicago, in receiving the honors.
“The six Illinois honorees possess action, courage, creativity and growth while going above and beyond when instructing music programs. The 40 Under 40 program honors music educators at all grade levels,” according to a Yamaha press release.
Bartunek is the general music teacher for Greenbriar School, 2195 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, and Children’s Choir Director for Northbrook District 28, which has about 200 members in grades 3,4, and 5, a release from Northbrook District 28, said.
“I am so happy that I work in a place where the administration, community, and students support what I do and that what I do is worthy of this recognition. I am so grateful for the support of my administration because their support allows me to do the wonderful things that helped me to achieve this recognition,” Bartunek said in the release.
Hundreds of nominations were submitted by students, parents, teachers, local instrument dealers and mentors, highlighting the music educators who positively impacted their community and students. Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company, based in Hamamatsu, Japan. This is the 4th annual 40 Under 40 recognition.
“I’m very proud of Jeremy and appreciative of the hard work he puts into creating a safe and inspiring place for children to develop a love for music. He is surrounded by colleagues who support and believe in the importance of the arts in education. We all congratulate him on this honor,” Ginny Hiltz, Greenbriar Principal, said in the release.
Bartunek was also a semifinalist for the 2024 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum. In 2020 he received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.