In this ever-changing climate, music education can be a powerful tool for building community, encouraging self-expression, and fostering resilience. This season, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will recognize champions in music education who provide high quality music learning opportunities and broad access to students throughout the region. This includes the essential behind-the-scenes advocates who create school schedules, safe spaces, creative environments, and seamless logistics that enable students to flourish.
This new program, BRAVO! Champions for Music Education, will turn the spotlight on individuals in various roles who work to promote music learning in school-based music programs for PreK through 12th grade students.
January 2026
Jesse Bush, Music Teacher, Serra Catholic High School
Jesse Bush is the high school music teacher at Serra Catholic High School. There, he directs concert band, marching band, and the spring musical. Jesse takes on the challenge of giving every student in his music program – particularly the marching band program – a fantastic experience. He takes the marching band to perform at competitions and makes sure they are able to travel and have similar experiences as students in other, larger, marching bands. It’s clear to anyone who watches his students perform that they are enjoying their time in Jesse’s ensembles.
Ronnie Ziccardi, Band Director, Avonworth School District
Ronnie’s teaching responsibilities at Avonworth include: 3rd Grade General Music, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th/8th Grade Bands, Marching Band Assistant Director and Percussion Instructor, Middle School Jazz Band Director, and Director of the Musical Pit Orchestra.
During his current 9-year tenure, the Avonworth elementary band program has expanded by about 6 times the number of involved students.
The 6th-grade band participated in the PMEA Music Performance Assessment in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and has been awarded Superior Ratings (the highest rating possible) in all 3 performances.
February 2026
Robert Carr, Band Director, Woodland Hills High School
In addition to serving as the daytime Band Director at Woodland Hills, I also direct our Marching Band, our Junior Musical, Assistant Direct our Spring Musical, and serve as a Performing Arts Workshop Instructor. I am extremely proud to teach at my alma mater and am thrilled to be able to help my wonderful students gain meaningful music experiences! They amaze me every day!
Marylou Monich Bushyager, Music Specialist, PreK through 8th Grade, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Marylou has been working as a music educator in the Pittsburgh Public Schools since January of 2004. She is a graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (Saxophone) and a Master of Education in Special Education from Carlow University. She has taught high school choir, jazz ensemble, marching band, Middle School and Elementary instrumental music, modern band, and special music education. Her students have collaborated with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Craftsman's Guild, Pittsburgh Opera, Carnegie Mellon University, Urban Impact Foundation, PMEA, and performed at many community events throughout Pittsburgh. Her instrument group received a Superior rating at the High Note Music Festival at Duquesne University and recorded a music video with the Urban Music Education Project. Her philosophy is that music helps us grow in kindness, compassion, love, education, and helps us learn to thrive together in peace and harmony.
March 2026
Brian Lee, Music Director, Allderdice High School, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Brian Lee is the Music Director at Allderdice High School, where he leads vibrant ensembles who perform at marching festivals, PMEA events, and in the community. Beyond his instrumental work, Brian teaches one of the few AP Music Theory courses in the area along with choir and general music. He also regularly leads the pit orchestra in school musicals and accompanies his studies in cabaret performances. He is a powerful, witty, skilled musician and leader – we are lucky to have him work with our young people!
Sarah Giliberto, Music Educator, Pittsburgh Brookline PreK-8, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Sarah Giliberto has been teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools since February 2005. After spending 16 years teaching instrumental and vocal music at Carrick High School, she made a big career shift and moved to Brookline PreK-8 to instill a love of music in younger students. One of her favorite things to do is take her students to the Schooltime concerts at the PSO, especially when it’s their first trip to Heinz Hall. “I love how their little faces light up when they see the elegance of the hall and hear the beauty of the music. It makes everything worthwhile.” She is also one of only two music educators in her district with a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification.