The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, along with the Erie County Music Educators Association, the Niagara County Music Educators Association and the Friends of the BPO, announce the 2020 recipient of the Leadership in Music Education Award.  The BCSA is proud that this year’s recipient is Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts Principal and BCSA member, Jody Covington.  This award honors an individual who shows exceptional leadership and vision in promoting music education in our schools and community.

Jody has been an administrator in the Buffalo Public School District since 2004.  Herself a graduate of BAVPA, she majored in music.  Now in a leadership position, she has expanded and developed many partnerships with community networks to enhance the learning opportunities for children.  This includes an incredibly strong and deep partnership with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.  The BPO makes presentations, does clinics, coaches and partners in the annual side-by-side concert.  Jody was instrumental in re-establishing the summer arts program at BAVPA, which gives children in the Buffalo region an opportunity to explore the arts, to cultivate creativity, and to build on their interests. 

Jody has two master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo in social work and educational administration.  She is a member of the Greater Hope Baptist Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha-Gamma Omega Chapter, the Arts School Network and is an active member of BCSA Local 10.