BYRON - Byron Middle School’s band instructor, Matt Maurizio, was just named the 2025 Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence recipient through the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), one of premier awards given to Illinois music instructors annually. In order to be considered for this award, nominees must be a current music educator, have over 10 years of experience, and have demonstrated teaching excellence and leadership.
“Mr. Maurizio works with students with a wide range of musical abilities and has the patience and caring mindset to get the most out of each student,” states Byron Middle School Principal Mike Sand. “He is a positive force in our district, and we are fortunate to have him at BMS.”
Maurizio has taught band for the district for 17 years. As part of his daily duties, he teaches a section of band at each grade level: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Each section has approximately 70-80 students, which equates to teaching about 60% percent of entire BMS student body every day. In addition to that, Maurizio offers BMS 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to take part in an optional Jazz Band that meets once week before school, 7:15 am. Roughly 60 BMS students come in early so they can take advantage of that offering as well.
Maurizio is quick to give credit to his students for his program’s success. “The most exciting part about working with middle school band students is seeing what they achieve during their time at BMS,” he explains. “They all come in as beginners in 6th grade and leave for high school accomplished musicians. Having a front row seat to that kind of growth is an absolute privilege.”
Every year the BMS 7th and 8th grade bands participate in and receive top marks in the Rt. 72 Organizational Festival. On top of that, several individual BMS band students are selected annually to participate in the ILMEA District 8 Honor Band. In order for students to take part in the Honor Band, they must go through an extensive audition process and ultimately be selected as one of the best in the area.
In addition to providing a strong foundation for high school band, one of Maurizio’s priorities is helping kids connect with music and with one another. He works hard to build connections with kids that extend far past their time in middle school band. “What I’m most proud of in recent years with the entire band program is the number of students who stick with it, even beyond high school,” states Maurizio. “Our Byron students are staying in band, which to me means that they have found a place where they can be successful, and where they feel like they belong and matter.”
Maurizio’s skill and enthusiasm for his craft has long been noticed by his peers at Byron CUSD. “Throughout his 17 years at Byron, Matt has educated and inspired hundreds of BMS students. His love and passion for music is on full display every day, and that can have a contagious effect,” explains district choir director Amy Harn. “He is very deserving of this award given to him by the Illinois Music Educators Association.”
Congratulations, Mr. Maurizio, for this well-deserved recognition. We are proud of you!