Frost School of Music alumna Jennifer Jimenez, who made the school’s heart glow with pride when she was named the 2026 Educator of the Year at this year’s GRAMMY Awards, was honored this weekend by the school that shaped her as a transformative music educator with an exemplary devotion to helping generations of students find a life in music.
Jimenez’s GRAMMY made national and local news back in January. On Saturday evening, Frost School leaders and faculty joined Jimenez, and numerous friends and members of her family at a reception celebrating Jimenez at the Kislak Center at the University of Miami. Jimenez was also recognized at a Frost Wind Ensemble concert at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall later that evening.
The 2003 music education graduate is the director of magnet bands and chair of the Fine Arts Department at South Miami Senior High School, where her portrait appears on the school's homepage. Jimenez has taught there for 19 years, and is an ardent Cane who has stayed close to the Frost School, regularly mentoring music education students as interns.
“Great teachers become great teachers because they have great teachers,” Jimenez told Frost News when she was honored by the Recording Academy. “Being at the Frost School and around the faculty was indelible for me.”
Her South Miami High students adore her and say she fosters them as musicians, people, and leaders. She has led them to perform at Carnegie Hall and two Super Bowls, including the 2020 halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, where guest star Bad Bunny congratulated them afterward.
Jimenez said that Saturday’s tribute from the school that helped her become a great teacher herself was extremely meaningful.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Frost School of Music for receiving the GRAMMY Music Educator Award,” said Jimenez, who double majored in percussion and played in the Frost Band of the Hour. “Frost played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of my career as both a professional musician and educator. To have been taught by world-class faculty who are now my colleagues, and to return to the very stage where I once performed in the wind ensemble, surrounded by my family, is truly a full-circle moment. I am profoundly grateful to stand here today as a proud alumna, continuing to contribute to Frost’s legacy by helping prepare the next generation of music educators as a clinical teacher.”
Her achievement has layers of significance for the Frost School.
“Jennifer Jimenez’s recognition is a powerful affirmation of what we strive to cultivate at the Frost School of Music Department of Music Education: musicians who are artistically excellent, deeply committed to teaching, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students,” said Don Coffman, professor and chair of the department. “As an alumna, Jennifer represents the highest ideals of music education—combining professional distinction with generosity of spirit. Jennifer’s continued mentorship of current Frost students speaks volumes about a lifelong commitment to the profession and to paying forward the support once received here. The GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year honor reflects not only individual excellence, but the enduring influence of a community grounded in artistry, pedagogy, and service.”
Coffman was among the many faculty and leaders who came to honor Jimenez. Joel Hassman Samuels, the University of Miami provost, spoke via video. Serona Elton, interim vice-dean of the Frost School and director of the Music Industry Program, emceed and spoke, as did Jennifer Krawec, an associate professor with the University’s School of Education and Human Development. Kenny Cordova, the executive director of the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy, also attended.
Also on hand were Carlos Abril, professor of Music Education and associate dean for research; Michael Hancock, the director of bands; Corin Overland, an associate professor of choral music education and associate dean of undergraduate affairs; Shannon de l’Etoile, a music therapy professor and associate dean of graduate studies; and Rey Sanchez, professor and associate dean for strategic initiatives and innovation. Frost Band of the Hour directors Craig McKenzie and Sheldon McLean attended as well.
At the GRAMMYS, Catleya Sornmayura, B.M. ’14, who attended and played in the band at South Miami High, said that Jimenez inspired her to attend the Frost School and pursue a career in music. “The experience skyrocketed my passion for music,” said Sornmayura, who is associate director of national programming for GRAMMY U. “She guided me in how to be a leader. The way she dedicated herself to me, she also did with every other student.”
