Middle School Orchestra Director Receives 2026 BPO/ECMEA Award for Excellence in Music Education

Patrick O’Donnell, orchestra director at Amherst Middle School, was recognized with a 2026 BPO/ECMEA Award for Excellence in Music Education. Established by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1994 with the Erie County Music Educators Association, this award recognizes and honors music educators for their dedication and commitment to music education. The award will be presented in May as part of the BPO’s Celebration of Music Education at Kleinhan’s Music Hall.

Mr. O’Donnell received his bachelor of music degree in music education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and his master of arts in community music from the University of Limerick, Ireland. Mr. O’Donnell is currently the orchestra director at Amherst Middle School, where he directs the 6th Grade Orchestra, 7th-8th Grade Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, A.R.C.O. (Amherst Rock Concert Orchestra) and teaches instrumental string lessons. Under his direction, his groups have performed at Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls, NY, Independent Health YMCA for Cycle Live events, at the KeyBank Center for the Buffalo Sabres, and at the AKG for the M&T First Friday events.

Mr. O’Donnell has been honored to receive the Amherst Middle School teacher of the year award. His orchestras have played at NYSSMA festivals receiving gold and gold with distinction ratings. Mr. O’Donnell is an active member of Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA) and  New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). He has guest conducted for the Erie County Music Educators Association All County Orchestras at the elementary and junior high level and the Niagara All County Elementary Orchestra. This summer he will be a faculty member at the annual BRAVO International Chamber Music workshop, where he will coach student musicians alongside members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. O’Donnell performs with local community orchestras and is the cellist for the Refoundry String Quartet which performs events regionally. He also performs on the fiddle for Irish and Bluegrass groups including guest appearances with McCarthyizm, The Blue Velvet Band, and the Leroy Townes Band. Mr. O’Donnell’s studio work includes cello and fiddle parts for a variety of musical groups. His recording sessions include the Canadian documentary series by Historica Canada entitled “Think Like A Historian'' as well as a piano and cello duet entitled “Soul Concerto” for the Harmonic Egg. In addition to music and teaching, Mr. O’Donnell coaches modified cross-country for Amherst Middle School and he is the stage crew director for the middle school musical productions. Mr. O’Donnell resides in Kenmore with his wife Emily, his two sons Connor and Jack and his daughter Anna.