Richard Osterling is one of five area teachers to win an RPO Musicians' Award For Outstanding Music Educator this year. He's been an instrumental/string teacher in Fairport for 23 years.

"It's just a good place to teach," he says. "That certainly has something to do with it. And I love my job. I love teaching."

Part of Osterling's award is a visit by RPO Music Director, Christopher Seaman. Seaman worked with Osterling's Combined String Orchestra Wednesday morning at Johanna Perrin Middle School.

"The RPO, part of our mission is education," explains Seaman. "A number of members of the orchestra are educators. I'm an educator. I've been in five or six schools this week, visiting and conducting bands and orchestras at seven o'clock in the morning," he laughs.

Osterling credits his teaching success to a combination of musical and interpersonal skills.

"You do have an impact on their lives--sometimes when you least expect it," he admits. "Kids'll come back and say, 'When you said such-and-such...' Wow--I don't even remember saying that!"

He knows Maestro Seaman's visit will leave a lasting impression--something that's far more important than any award.

"I don't think it'll change what I do," he says. "I'm just honored and excited to win the award. It's just nice recognition."

The other award winners are Cheri France (School #15), Roxann Lahcanski (Bay Trail Middle School, Penfield), William Tiberio (Fairport High School), and Bea Hack (St. Louis School, Pittsford). The teachers will receive their awards during Thursday, April 15th's RPO concert at Eastman Theatre. For tickets, call the box office at 585-454-2100, stop by any Wegmans Video Department, or click on the link below.