CCHS’s Tony Spano named quarterfinalist for 2027 GRAMMY Award

Dr. Tony Spano, the Executive and Music Director of Culver City High School's Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA), is in the running for the 2027 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Out of 2,100 initial applicants from 36 different states, Spano is now among the 202 quarterfinalist music educators who will undergo an intensive screening process to be considered a semifinalist, which will be announced in September. 

The grand winner for the 2027 GRAMMY award will receive a $10,000 honorarium with a matching school grant — an honor that comes with a ceremony and participation in various events throughout Grammy Week in February. 

While many music educators are encouraged to apply, the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum also accept nominations from students, parents, and school faculty. In Spano’s case, multiple former students have put his name forward. With previous nominations in 2023, 2024, and 2025, Spano has been named a quarterfinalist four times.

“It’s always humbling to be recognized like this,” Spano commented. “Less than 10% of the nominated teachers make it to the quarterfinal round, so I appreciate that the Grammys continue to honor our accomplishments here at Culver High.”

The base requirements to qualify for this award stipulate that the nominee must be a full-time teacher working in either a public or private school, ranging from teaching kindergarten to college. More specifically, the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum are looking for educators who go above and beyond, aiming to highlight teachers who make a measurable impact on the students’ lives, the school, and their community. Their focus lies on educators who commit to maintaining music education in schools.

Spano has been named a quarterfinalist four times for a reason. He directs jazz ensembles, concert bands, and the marching band in courses during and after the school day while acting as the Executive Director for AVPA. Under his guidance, the AVPA Music Department has collaborated with the four other departments — dance, theater, visual art, and film — and has gained recognition through various competitions. For the seventh consecutive year, the National Association of Music Merchants listed CCUSD as one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education, an accomplishment AVPA and Spano have undoubtedly contributed to.

In his own words, however, Spano credits the hard work of the students.

“I consider my students to be the reason I am recognized for any honor. It's their hard work and performances that are the culmination of classes, rehearsals, and training,” Spano reflected. “Ultimately, I hope people recognize that I try my best to provide every opportunity, at the highest level, for my students to learn, grow, develop, and become the best people they can.”

The music department’s presence is felt in the community; it’s not uncommon to see jazz ensembles making appearances at the annual La Ballona Festival or at different celebrations in the community. The marching band cheers on the CCHS football team, marches for other community and school events, and has even sent some students to the Rose Parade.

The opportunities given to the students to improve their craft in music in class and with the community, according to Spano, do more than provide fun for students.

“[Music] is a creative way to do something enriching and rewarding that teaches important skills, how to interact and work with others, and how to turn hard work into successful results,” Spano says.

“These are lifelong skills that apply to every aspect of life.”

You can view the list of 2027 GRAMMY Music Educator Award candidates here.