Chicago (WLS) — Trevor Nicholas, a teacher at Sen High School in Edgewater, is one of ten finalists from around the country for the Music Educator Grammy Awards.
Nicholas teaches children how music can heal from the pressures and sufferings of their youth. He believes music can inspire the human spirit. His students are transformed.
Nicholas is a native of Northwoods, Minnesota, far from the harsh urban strife that plagues many of his students.
“It’s surreal. It’s beyond my dreams at this point. The whole purpose of this is for all students to be uplifted and their artistry and beauty amplified,” he said. .
Nicholas used a wheelchair as a child, but was able to overcome his health condition. He said music saved his body and soul.
“There were a lot of doors that were closed and there were doors that were very open. It was very lonely at first,” he said. I felt it,” said Nicholas.
Emotionally scarred students have the comfort and connection of the music they create.
“Music is not just about hearing, it is about feeling and connecting. He made sure we were able to do all that,” said Sidney Mathis, a senior at Sen High School. I was.
“I was pushed to my creative and emotional limits in the most positive and compassionate way,” says Colin Cosgrove, a music teacher who was taught music by Nicholas when he was a student. rice field.
“I think it definitely increased my passion for music just having someone like him in my life,” said Will Dixon, Sen’s senior.
“I never dreamed that I would be nominated for a Grammy Award or two, so I want them to feel that they can do anything,” Nicholas said.
This is actually the second time Nicholas has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Music Educator. The winner will be announced next week and his students are ready for their teacher to receive the trophy.
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