Scone teacher nominated for ARIA Award

SCONE Grammar School teacher Tori Saunders is officially in the running for the 2021 Australia Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Music Teacher Award.

The Music Teacher Award recognises an Aussie music teacher for their contribution to the Australian musical landscape and their positive influence on students’ experiences.

Tori Saunders has been anonymously nominated for the 2021 ARIA Music Teacher Award. Photo supplied.

A much beloved Specialist K-12 Music Teacher at Scone Grammar School, Ms Saunders is already teacher of the year.

She directs and produces the school musicals, runs infant, primary and secondary choirs, teaches specialist classroom music and conducts private singing classes.

Ms Saunders said she feels most successful when her students continue on their music path after leaving school.

“I love my profession and to see our students flourish through singing,” Ms Saunders said.

“Our students have had opportunities to work with professionals such as Rachael Beck and Stephen Mahy and to perform at Sydney Town Hall,” she said.

“When I get messages from students who have finished school to say they want to continue in the industry or even want to teach music, I know I have made my mark,” she said.

Not only has Ms Saunders been teaching at Scone Grammar for almost ten years, she also performs vocals live at various events in the community under the name ‘Tori Vines.’

Scone Grammar School Principal, Paul Smart said Ms Saunders is a passionate and inspirational music teacher.

“It’s wonderful for our students to see her living out her passion for music as she performs, as well as through her teaching,” Mr Smart said.

“From choirs, to musicals, to supporting many wider Upper Hunter community events, we’re grateful for Tori’s passion, expertise and commitment to bringing music to the Upper Hunter and beyond,” he said.

Ms Saunders is currently on the nomination shortlist for the Music Teacher Award, with ARIA to announce the final nomination list in September/October.

Once the official list is released, the public will vote to determine the winner.

Good luck Ms Saunders!