OBERLIN, OHIO — Firelands High School band director Mr. Dustin K. Wiley has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum. The award honors U.S. music teachers who have made a lasting impact on students and music education, and who show a strong commitment to keeping music in schools.
Wiley is one of 200 educators selected from more than 2,000 nominations nationwide. According to the GRAMMY Museum, semifinalists will be announced later this year, with the final recipient honored during GRAMMY Week 2026—just days before the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Mr. Wiley has served in the Firelands Local School District for over a decade, where he currently leads the instrumental music program and also teaches the high school’s broadcasting class. His courses have included high school jazz band, marching band, concert band, music technology, theory, history, and even beginning band at the elementary level.
In addition to his classroom work, Wiley has been invited to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade, a prestigious honor recognizing his dedication to the arts.
Before joining Firelands, he taught in New Mexico and Lorain, Ohio, including time at Tohatchi High School and Lorain Admiral King. Over the years, his ensembles have regularly earned Superior ratings at adjudicated music events.
Principal Cathy Keener praised Wiley’s dedication:
“Dustin is an integral member of our community at Firelands High School. He holds high expectations for himself and his students, leading to a music program that consistently earns superior ratings at contest. I am sincerely appreciative to have someone as dedicated and accomplished as Dustin, and I firmly believe this recognition is well deserved.”
The Music Educator Award is a collaboration between the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum to spotlight the essential role of music teachers from kindergarten through college. Each year, one winner is flown to Los Angeles to attend the GRAMMYs and participate in GRAMMY Week events.
Firelands Local Schools and the wider community are celebrating Wiley’s achievement as a reflection of his leadership, talent, and the positive influence he has on generations of young musicians.
About the Author
