DALLAS — In a classroom filled with dozens of students and instruments, Jason Schayot is able to capture the attention of each high schooler at Lloyd V. Berkner High School with his direction and down to earth demeanor.

“We get to change people’s lives by hearing music that brings back memories,” Schayot told his students while they rehearsed the musical pieces for each military branch for Veterans Day.

Music has always been a part of Schayot’s world and so has the Richardson Independent School District in North Texas — he grew up in the school system.

After years of teaching music elsewhere, Schayot returned to Berkner High School in 2011.

“My sixth grade band director, in Richardson ISD, ended up being my coworker at Berkner High School, and I had the opportunity in 2015 to take over for him as the director of bands here.”

Now, the fine arts coordinator and director of bands, is instilling his love for music into the hearts of his students.

His passion and talent are now receiving national attention. Schayot is one of 25 semifinalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award.

The award website states, “the winner will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in early 2022.” The winner also rewarded a $10,000 personal honorarium while finalists and semi-finalists receive $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Some of Schayot’s students believe he’s more than deserving of the award, including Senior Aida Ewnetou.

“Mr. Schayot really takes time to cultivate a community," said Ewnetou. 

“It would just be awesome for him to just have an award like that,” said senior Meredith Winfield. 

The esteemed high school band has won its fair share of awards over the years, even being invited to perform in Chicago at the Midwest Clinic in 2019.

For Schayot, the awards and the recognition will never be the reason why he teaches music.

“I’m one of those lucky people that has found their calling and is able to do what they love every single day.”

The music director says he makes it a point to call out each student by name, during practice, asking students to share which family members of theirs served in the military.

Angel Ramos, a senior, says Schayot’s been a role model to him. “He still made sure that I got better as a player and a person.”

Senior Charlie Harris says it’s that personal touch that creates the best learning environment.

“This class is something special, you know, Mr. Schayot does an excellent job of building a community,” said Harris. 

The finalists for the Grammy award will be announced in early December. Despite the chances of being awarded, Schayot’s mind is set on continuing to help his students grow and develop in their talents.

“It’s really, really cool what we get to do. Yeah, words can’t really describe that,” Schayot said.