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Michael Smith, received a Bachelor Degree of Music Education and a Master Degree of Trumpet Performance from Bowling Green State University, an Educational Specialists Degree of Administration from The University of Toledo, and in 2021 received a State of Ohio Administrator License from Concordia University of Chicago.
Michael’s career at Perrysburg High School (PHS) began in 1997. Since then, the PHS Orchestra program has grown from one orchestra of 11 members to over 225 students participating in six different high school orchestras. Since 2001 PHS Orchestras have received 59 Superior ratings at Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) State Orchestra Competition. PHS Orchestras have performed multiple times at OMEA Professional Development Conferences in 2007, 2009, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023 and next year in 2024 |
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Under his direction, members of Select Strings performed at the 2017 and 2020 American String Teacher Association (ASTA) National Conference in Pittsburgh and Orlando and finishing third both times. In 2021 PHS Select Strings performed at the prestigious 75th Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. PHS Orchestras have performed throughout Hungary, England, New York, Nashville, Chattanooga, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toronto.
In 2014 Michael was awarded the Buckeye Cable Arts Network (BCAN) Teacher of the Month, and was semi-finalist for The BCAN Teacher of the Year. Michael was presented the Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Perrysburg High School in 2018 and in 2001 he was the recipient of the Teacher of The Year Award for the Perrysburg School District. Currently, Michael serves as OMEA District One High School Honors Orchestra Chair, OMEA State Orchestra Large Group site host and continues to perform (since 1994) with The Academy Brass Quintet.
In 2014 Michael was awarded the Buckeye Cable Arts Network (BCAN) Teacher of the Month, and was semi-finalist for The BCAN Teacher of the Year. Michael was presented the Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Perrysburg High School in 2018 and in 2001 he was the recipient of the Teacher of The Year Award for the Perrysburg School District. Currently, Michael serves as OMEA District One High School Honors Orchestra Chair, OMEA State Orchestra Large Group site host and continues to perform (since 1994) with The Academy Brass Quintet.
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Betsy Cranston is in her nineteenth year as an educator in Perrysburg Schools, where she began her career. She currently serves as an orchestra director for students in grades 7-8. Her junior high ensembles have achieved notable recognition, including performances at the OMEA Professional Development Conference in 2015, 2020, and most recently in 2024 with her 6th Grade Orchestra.In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Betsy serves as the Perrysburg Junior High Music Department Head and chairs the OMEA District 1 Junior High Honors Orchestra. She is also the conductor of the Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert Strings, cultivating talent and passion for music among Toledo-area youth.
Betsy earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University, studying under Dr. Robert Gillespie, and her graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Toledo. Her dedication to education has been recognized through several awards, including the Perrysburg Educator Association Teacher of the Year (2008), Perrysburg Schools Foundation Golden Excellence Award (2010), OSTA School Teacher of the Year (2024) A cellist, Betsy is a founding member of The Asteria String Quartet and performs regularly in Toledo and surrounding areas. She resides in Perrysburg with her daughters Layla and Lydia. She joyfully lives life with them as a Suzuki parent and soccer mom and softball coach. |
