San Diego, January 29, 2026
Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Balmat, the music director at Mission Bay High School in San Diego, has been named a finalist for the prestigious GRAMMY Music Educator Award. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to music education, expanding the school’s music program and creating various ensembles. Balmat stands out as the sole representative from California among the ten finalists selected from over 2,000 nominations. The official award recipient will be revealed during GRAMMY Week, underscoring the critical role of music education in shaping young lives.
San Diego Music Educator Jean-Paul Balmat Named Finalist for 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award
San Diego, California – Jean-Paul “JP” Balmat, the music director at Mission Bay High School, has been named a finalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum announced the ten finalists on January 27, 2026, recognizing educators who have made significant contributions to music education across the United States. Balmat is the sole finalist representing California in this year’s selection.
About the GRAMMY Music Educator Award
The GRAMMY Music Educator Award honors current educators who have made a lasting impact on the field of music education. Established by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the award aims to recognize teachers who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in schools. The recipient will be announced during GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Jean-Paul Balmat’s Contributions to Music Education
Balmat has been the music director at Mission Bay High School since 2006, revitalizing the school’s music program after a two-year hiatus. Under his leadership, the program has expanded from three ensembles to eight, educating over 200 students in jazz, strings, band, and choir. Notably, Balmat founded the Mission Bay Preservationists, a traditional youth jazz band, and the Mission Bay Mambo Orchestra, the only youth-Latin big band in California. These ensembles have performed at venues throughout San Diego County and beyond, including Copley Symphony Hall and the House of Blues. Balmat’s dedication to music education has been recognized with several accolades, including the 2017 San Diego Unified District High School Teacher of the Year and the 2017 CMEA Jazz Educator of the Year. In 2019 and 2020, his group, the Euphoria Brass Band, won the San Diego Music Award for “Best Jazz.”
Mission Bay High School’s Music Program
Mission Bay High School, established in 1953, is a public magnet school located in San Diego, California. The school’s music program is renowned for its excellence and has been a significant draw for students interested in music education. The program includes various ensembles such as the Preservationists, Mambo Orchestra, concert band, string orchestra, symphonic orchestra, swing and concert choirs, and jazz bands.
Selection Process for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award
The selection process for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award involves multiple stages. Initially, over 2,000 nominations were submitted from across the United States. These nominations were narrowed down to 200 quarterfinalists, then to 25 semifinalists, and finally to the ten finalists announced on January 27, 2026. The recipient of the award will be honored during GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Community Support and Recognition
Balmat’s nomination has garnered support from the Mission Bay High School community and beyond. The school’s music program has been recognized through the Best Communities for Music Education program, highlighting its commitment to providing quality music education. Additionally, the program has been featured in local media, showcasing its impact on students and the community.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of the finalists for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award has brought attention to the importance of music education in schools. As the recipient will be announced during GRAMMY Week 2026, the Mission Bay High School community eagerly awaits the outcome, hopeful that Balmat’s dedication and contributions will be recognized on a national stage.
FAQ
What is the GRAMMY Music Educator Award?
The GRAMMY Music Educator Award honors current educators who have made a lasting impact on the field of music education. Established by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the award aims to recognize teachers who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in schools. The recipient will be announced during GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Who is Jean-Paul Balmat?
Jean-Paul “JP” Balmat is the music director at Mission Bay High School in San Diego, California. Since 2006, he has revitalized the school’s music program, expanding it from three ensembles to eight and educating over 200 students in various musical disciplines. Balmat founded the Mission Bay Preservationists and the Mission Bay Mambo Orchestra, both of which have performed at notable venues and received accolades such as the San Diego Music Award for “Best Jazz” in 2019 and 2020.
How are the finalists for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award selected?
The selection process for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award involves multiple stages. Initially, over 2,000 nominations were submitted from across the United States. These nominations were narrowed down to 200 quarterfinalists, then to 25 semifinalists, and finally to the ten finalists announced on January 27, 2026. The recipient of the award will be honored during GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
What is the Mission Bay High School music program known for?
Mission Bay High School’s music program is renowned for its excellence and has been a significant draw for students interested in music education. The program includes various ensembles such as the Preservationists, Mambo Orchestra, concert band, string orchestra, symphonic orchestra, swing and concert choirs, and jazz bands. The Preservationists, in particular, are recognized as one of the nation’s premier traditional youth jazz bands, performing at venues throughout San Diego County and beyond.
When will the recipient of the GRAMMY Music Educator Award be announced?
The recipient of the GRAMMY Music Educator Award will be announced during GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The exact date of the announcement has not yet been specified.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Jean-Paul Balmat named finalist for 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award |
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Organization | Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum |
| Selection Process | Over 2,000 nominations narrowed down to 10 finalists |
| Award Announcement | During GRAMMY Week 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards |
| Mission Bay High School’s Music Program | Led by Balmat since 2006, includes various ensembles like the Preservationists and Mambo Orchestra |
| Notable Achievements | Preservationists and Mambo Orchestra performed at venues such as Copley Symphony Hall and House of Blues |
| Accolades | Balmat received 2017 San Diego Unified District High School Teacher of the Year and 2017 CMEA Jazz Educator of the Year |
| Community Support | Music program recognized through Best Communities for Music Education program |
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