Hamilton teacher named MusiCounts Teacher of the Year at The JUNO Awards

Raquel McIntosh of Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School accepted the award from members of Arkells on the live broadcast from TD Coliseum.

On Canada’s Biggest Night In Music in Hamilton, a city teacher was named MusiCounts Teacher of the Year.

It was fitting that it was guitarist Mike DeAngelis of Arkells, a fellow Hamiltonian, who read Raquel McIntosh’s name to thunderous applause from the hometown crowd. 

“All the musicians here know this is the most important award being handed out tonight,” said lead singer Max Kerman.

McIntosh, who teaches at Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School, said on the live national broadcast that MusiCounts has given her “and my incredible colleagues here tonight, an opportunity to dismantle systematic barriers that try to decide who is worthy of holding an instrument. Every child, regardless of where they are from, what they look like or how they identify” should have access to music, she said as cheers from the crowd drowned out her words.

“Music is a thriving career and the kids deserve to know that.” 

JUNOS host Mae Martin then took the opportunity to recognize their Grade 4 music teacher Carla Silver. 

“Thank you for casting me as Charlie Brown in the school musical. I think everyone can agree that truly, that's the role I was born to play: an existentially preoccupied little boy. But, really, a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Silver and all the teachers out there letting the weirdo kids shine.”

Earlier on the Skip Orange Carpet before the awards show got underway, McIntosh told HAMILTON CITY Magazine that being nominated was overwhelming.

“To be honest, I do not have a lot of words, but I'm glad that I get to be here. I'm glad I get to make Hamilton proud. You know, I made Hamilton my home seven years ago, and really, there's no looking back. It just feels like home. Sometimes you travel a little bit, but you know when you've arrived, so this is a very proud moment,” she said. 

McIntosh, who was born in Toronto and grew up in Mississauga, moved to Hamilton seven years ago with her husband and children. 

“I wanted a nice place for my family to grow up. And we're like, Hamilton is a place to be. So my kids are proud Hamiltonians. My husband's a proud Hamiltonian as well. We alI love it.”

In a press release, MusiCounts said: McIntosh “is an extraordinary educator and has transformed her school’s music program by establishing student-led choirs, organizing school performances, and providing on-stage and behind-the-scenes opportunities for every student.”

She founded Beyond the Soundtrack, a program that combines spoken word, slam poetry, restorative practice and musical foundations to prepare students for the highly anticipated mobile music production studio at the school. “Through this initiative McIntosh continues to model Black excellence by ensuring BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and the diverse array of students can access space to be vulnerable, explore identity, and grow together through music-making.”

Kristy Fletcher, president of MusiCounts and COO of CARAS/The JUNO Awards offered congratulations to McIntosh. 

“It’s a privilege to spotlight the dedication and passion of music teachers, and especially meaningful to celebrate an educator in the community she calls home. Raquel has made an extraordinary impact on young people across Hamilton, and we’re proud to recognize her as this year’s winner."

Adelaide Hoodless is on Maplewood Avenue in central Hamilton, west of Gage Park.

McIntosh is the 21st recipient of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. She will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a significant contribution to her school’s music program through the MusiCounts School Music Funding Program, a JUNO Award statuette, and grants to additional schools in her honour.

MusiCounts invests in schools and communities nationwide through our granting programs, empower youth through training and career development, and give a national voice to the importance of music education.

The other nominees for the Teacher of the Year Award were: Zeda Ali, Sunny View Middle School, Brampton; Lynn Harper, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, Ormstown, Que., Alex Hutcheon, Cremona School, Cremona, Alta., and Isabelle Lemieux, École Caps-des-Neiges, Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que.