The American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) is proud to announce Thomas Pierre as the recipient of the 2026 Grassroots Impact Award, which recognizes exemplary service at the local and regional levels in support of AOSA’s mission. The award will be presented at the 2026 AOSA Professional Development Conference in Richmond, Virginia.
Thomas Pierre has been a dedicated leader within the Middle Atlantic Chapter of AOSA (MAC-AOSA), serving in multiple roles including Chapter President. His tenure has been marked by a clear commitment to meaningful inclusion. Under his leadership, MAC-AOSA hosted its first-ever Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Allies (BBIA) mini-conference — Shades of the Schulwerk — in December 2025, a milestone reflecting Thomas’s belief that the Orff community must actively honor diverse voices and experiences.
Thomas has also strengthened community spirit through signature events such as the MAC-AOSA Karaoke fundraisers, which generate essential funds while fostering joy and belonging among members.
As an AOSA Movement Teacher Educator, Thomas has intentionally recruited educators of color into Orff Levels training and consistently elevated DEIA-focused presenters within chapter programming. His virtual DEIA book study drew participants from across the country, extending MAC-AOSA’s reach well beyond its region. Many educators first introduced to Orff Schulwerk through his outreach have since joined AOSA, completed Levels training, and taken on leadership and presenter roles nationally.
A presenter himself across the United States and internationally, Thomas brings global perspective back to the local chapter and serves as a natural ambassador for Orff Schulwerk — introducing the approach to classroom teachers, administrators, and educators outside the music discipline.