Mary Ada Poole Named Inaugural Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Educator of the Year
The Spartanburg Philharmonic is proud to announce Mary Ada Poole as the recipient of its inaugural Music Educator of the Year Award for the 2024-2025 season. This new annual honor celebrates outstanding contributions to music education and recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of Spartanburg and beyond.
A native of Spartanburg, Mary Ada Poole is a lifelong advocate for music and music education. She began her career in Spartanburg School District 7 in 1961, later moving to District 6 in 1975, where she continued to teach until her retirement from public school education in 1994. Her influence continued well beyond retirement, as she taught in the Converse University Pre-College program (now Lawson Academy), conducted the Converse University Youth Chamber Orchestra, and maintained a private studio for aspiring musicians.
Most recently, Poole shared her talents with students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, extending her legacy of inclusion and excellence in teaching.
In addition to her educational impact, Poole has had a distinguished performance career. She began playing with the Spartanburg Symphony (now Spartanburg Philharmonic) as a young musician and has performed under several conductors, including the renowned Dr. Henry Janiec. Her resume also includes performances with the Asheville, Hendersonville, Charleston, and Augusta Symphonies. She served as Dean of Students at the Brevard Music Center and held leadership roles in the South Carolina Music Educators Association, where she served as President of the orchestra division from 1985–1987.
Mary Ada Poole's commitment to nurturing musical talent and advancing orchestral education has been recognized statewide. The Palmetto Chamber Orchestra previously established a scholarship in her honor for young, talented students.
“Mary Ada Poole embodies the spirit of music education in Spartanburg,” said Kathryn Boucher, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Philharmonic. “Her legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering service to generations of young musicians. We are thrilled to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.”