The Music Center of Los Angeles County, a national leader in arts education, is seeking nominations for its Annual Bravo Award, honoring teachers and schools for exemplary arts education. The nomination acknowledges the hard work and dedication these educators have given to their students, their profession and their communities.

Teachers and schools can be nominated in four categories: School, School Arts Program, Generalist Teacher, and Arts Specialist Teacher. The Bravo Awards is a two-step process involving the completion of a nomination form and an application form. In order to be considered for a Bravo Award, arts educators must first be nominated by principals, faculty committees, superintendents, parents or through self-nomination.

Nominations are open to Los Angeles County educators and schools who deliver arts education programs during the regular school day. Nomination forms are available at www.musiccenter.org/education or by calling (213) 972-3387.

All those nominated will be invited to attend an information meeting offered to assist in the completion of the applications which will be reviewed by a judging committee of educators and artists. Nomination deadline is October 15, 2010. Completed applications are due November 1, 2010.

Upon completing an application, teachers and schools will participate in an extensive review process including site visits and feedback by the judging committee, as well as an invitation to participate in a winter forum addressing key topics in arts education. All Bravo Awards applicants will be recognized at an event to be held at the Music Center in spring 2011.

The Music Center Bravo Awards program was established in 1982 to recognize teachers and schools for innovation and excellence in arts education. It honors educators who use the arts to revitalize teaching, enhance student achievement and foster self-esteem, teamwork and cross-cultural communication and understanding.