News
George Stone Garners Outstanding Academic Employee Award [May 20, 2005]
A versatile and talented musician on the Central Coast has been honored with Cuesta’s Outstanding Academic Employee of the Year Award.
Academic Employee of the Year Award.
George Stone is more than an accomplished trumpet and piano jazz performer — he also wears the varied musical hats of recording engineer, arranger and composer, along with serving as Division Chair for the Cuesta College Performing Arts. In addition, Stone is a talented music theory instructor.
Stone’s teaching colleague John Knutson, who directs Vocé, Cuesta’s internationally award-winning vocal jazz group, best sums up the award-winner’s teaching methods.
Mr. Stone instinctively knows how to motivate students to produce outstanding ensembles and strong solo performers,
says Knutson.I have now had the opportunity to observe Mr. Stone in rehearsal on numerous occasions at Cuesta: conducting peer evaluations, during rehearsals of collaborative arrangements for vocal jazz and jazz band, and during recording sessions. He is, by far, the best musical director I have ever worked with. Most importantly, he is a strong motivator, showing great care for each individual student and working well with his professional colleagues.
With the exception of the Superintendent/President, all full-time academic staff with four or more years or service, or part-time temporary academic staff with eight or more years of service, are eligible to be nominated for the honor. Stone was presented with the award on Friday, May 20, at an end-of-the-year celebration at Cuesta’s Student Center.