The Mockingbird Foundation is proud to announce the continuation of the DeLucia Awards, recognizing outstanding examples in music education. Established in 2004, and previously awarded in 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019, the DeLucia Awards honor Mockingbird founder Craig DeLucia, and seek to recognize demonstrated passion for teaching music through the use of unconventional genres, methods, instruments, environments, and/or other aspects of music education.

The awards are administered by educator, saxophonist, recreational cellist, and Mockingbird board member Matt Sexauer, assisted by a fantastic panel of musicians and educators. The process begins with an online form, which opens today, April 1st. Nominations close this year on April 25, at 5 p.m. EDT. Announcement is anticipated for mid-May.

As in previous instances, there may be up to five DeLucia Award recipients in a given year, with the first place recipient awarded the DeLucia Prize, a monetary complement of $1,000. This year for the first time, four runners up will be awarded $250. The recipient(s) will have demonstrated a passion for music education such as by teaching in an exceptional, innovative, or unique manner; impacting their communities in a substantial way; or using unconventional techniques, discourse, or concepts in their roles as music educators.

The Mockingbird Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit run entirely by volunteers, supports music education for children by fundraising through Phish-related projects. Organized by Phish fans in 1996, formally incorporated in 1997, and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Foundation has since distributed over $1,800,000 through 492 grants in all 50 states.

The Foundation is also the leading provider of historical information about Phish and its music, having cultivated intellectual property through www.phish.net since 1994 and having published three editions of the popular books The Phish Companion: A Guide to the Band and Their Music.