A William S. Hart High School District music educator was recently recognized by California Music Educators Association (CMEA) at the California All-State Music Education Conference. 

Peggi Stoffel, the music director at Rancho Pico Junior High School, was recently recognized at the state level as this year’s “Middle School Music Educator Specialist” by CMEA at the 2023 California All-State Music Education Conference. 

“I believe the arts are critical to the development of children more than ever,” said Stoffle. “With online learning and excessive screen time at an all-time high, music ensembles offer students an opportunity to create and interact in a collaborative setting. Music is profoundly human and creates connections in the brain that address the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of students unlike any other subject.”

Those who were nominated submit materials for review which are then evaluated by the CMEA board which selects the recipient of the year. 

Stoffle is completing her 10th year as director of instrumental music at Rancho Pico Junior High School in the William S. Hart Union School District and has taught Grades 4 through 8 instrumental music for over 26 years in both Illinois and California.

Stoffle taught for nine years in the Newhall School District before joining the Hart District, according to officials. 

She also holds membership in the National Association for Music Education, California Music Education Association, California Band Directors Association and the Southern California Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association. 

Stoffle has also served as a music education and double reed clinician at UCLA, Indiana University, Northern Illinois University and Cal State Northridge. 

In 2003, Stoffle was a recipient of the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation Most Influential Educator award and was selected to be included in the 24th edition of Who’s Who of American Women. 

In 2011, Stoffle was recognized by the City of Santa Clarita Arts Commission for her dedication to teaching the arts to the youth of Santa Clarita. 

While at Rancho Pico, she was named; Teacher of the Year; and received the “One Hart Award” from William S. Hart Union High School District.

Stoffle was invited to conduct the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Elementary Honor Orchestra in 2023 and received the “Esteem Conductor Award.” 

“It is an exciting time to be a music educator in California,” Stoffel said. “Especially right here in Santa Clarita surrounded by so many outstanding educators, supportive administration and amazing families.”

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