Schools

West Hartford Music Teacher Earns Major Honor

The orchestra head of both Conard and Hall high schools was named Connecticut's music teacher of the year by a national organization.

WEST HARTFORD, CT —A well-known music teacher for one of West Hartford's high schools has recently received a major, national award representing the state.

Emmett Drake, who is the orchestra director at Hall High School and Conard High School, was named recently the 2024-25 National Federation of State High School Associations Performing Arts Educator of the Year Award winner for Connecticut.

According to the federation, Drake is a "visionary orchestra director" who is "known for his transformative impact on music education."

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He was called by the federation a "skilled conductor, educator, and composer."

Drake heads up Hall High School's popular "Pops 'N Jazz" program, which performs statewide and has been recognized leader in jazz music, song and dance.

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