SOTA choir director Jimmy Hartmann receives News 8 Golden Apple Award for outstanding dedication to students

Rochester, New York – In classrooms where voices rise in harmony and confidence quietly takes root, recognition often follows—not just for talent, but for dedication that stretches far beyond the school day. That is exactly the case for Jimmy Hartmann, Director of Choirs at the School of the Arts, who has been named a recipient of the News 8 Golden Apple Award.

The honor, awarded to educators who consistently go the extra mile, shines a spotlight on Hartmann’s daily commitment to his students. Within the Rochester City School District, the announcement has been met with pride and appreciation, as colleagues and students alike point to a teacher whose impact goes well beyond music.

For those who work alongside him, Hartmann’s approach is both simple and powerful—create opportunities, build trust, and let students shine. “He is constantly looking for opportunities to put his students in front of audiences,” said Alan Tirre, Principal of School of the Arts. “He loves his kids, and he would give the shirt off his back for them. He is an overall great guy, and we are so happy to have him here at SOTA.”

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That effort is not hard to spot. Over the past year alone, the SOTA choir has performed on some of the area’s most notable stages. In January, students took part in a tribute honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., performing alongside the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Later in the spring, they joined forces with the Rochester Oratorio Society for a combined concert. Most recently, they were featured during a Rochester Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrating SOTA alumnus Taye Diggs.

Behind each performance is a teacher who sees music as more than notes on a page. For Hartmann, it is about connection—something his students feel every day. “The students drive me to do this work,” he said. “It’s a love for music, a love of singing, and building community within our school.”

Students echo that sentiment, describing a classroom where mistakes are part of the process and encouragement is constant. “He tries to connect with kids the best he can,” said Cori’onna Hatchett, a student in Mr. Hartmann’s choir class. “I love singing, and Mr. Hartmann makes it even better. Even if you hit the wrong note, he’ll lead you in the right direction.”

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Others point to his willingness to be there, even outside regular hours. “He cares so much about his students,” said Joey Gregoire, a student in Mr. Hartmann’s class. “He would help me out on a random Saturday when he has no reason to worry about me. He tries to do what is best for his students.”

Now in his ninth year at SOTA, Hartmann says the most rewarding part of his work remains unchanged. It is found in the everyday moments—the rehearsals, the breakthroughs, the steady growth of young voices finding their place.

The Golden Apple Award may mark a moment of recognition, but for Hartmann, the real achievement seems to lie in something quieter and more lasting: a classroom where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to raise their voices—together.