Amo Brass Names Fischoff’s 2026 Ann Divine Educator Award Winner

Notre Dame, IN (March 26, 2026) – The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is delighted to announce that Amo Brass has been selected as the winner of Fischoff’s 2026 Ann Divine Educator Award. This national award recognizes the educational outreach work of Fischoff Competition alumni who have demonstrated outstanding and imaginative programming for children and youth in the United States. It honors musicians who have established professional careers in chamber music and have proven their ability to successfully build a career in both chamber music performance and educational outreach. 

Named in honor of retired Executive Director Ann Divine, this award recognizes her visionary leadership in cultivating community outreach through chamber music. As the winner of the Ann Divine Educator Award, Amo Brass will receive a coveted endorsement from Fischoff, a cash award, and a weeklong Arts-in-Education residency in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Indiana. Taking place November 16-22, 2026, Amo Brass will conduct workshops and perform interactive concerts in schools, community centers, and libraries. The week will include multiple performances of Fischoff’s flagship program, Stories and Music: S.A.M. I Am, which musically reenacts a children’s book and will be featured as a free, community concert at the St. Joseph County Public Library. Amo Brass will also work with Fischoff’s Chamber Music Academy and Elkhart County’s El Sistema (ECoSistema) students to dig deeper into the art of chamber music with children and teens who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities. 

Amo Brass members, Connor Holland, trumpet, Josh Bialkin, trumpet, Olivia Martinez, horn, David Seder, trombone, and Vivian Kung, tuba, came together in 2020 as a group of friends wanting to safely make music outside during a pandemic. This ensemble of Yale School of Music alumni is based in the Tri-State area and is passionate about education, community engagement, and performance. Prior to receiving Fischoff’s American Brass Quintet Prize at Fischoff’s 50th Anniversary Competition in 2023, Amo Brass won the Gold Medal at the Cambridge International Music Competition, first prize in the BTHVN Wien Competition, and honorable mention at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition. They have been featured artists at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and as part of Chamber Music America’s annual conference showcase concerts.

Amo Brass’ vision for their ensemble is to provide a musical experience with artistic excellence blended with a commitment to accessible education, cultural leadership, and public service. All members are alumni of the Yale Music in Schools Initiative, which delivers free music education to underserved public school students of the New Haven community. Educational outreach tours are core to their mission, and they have partnered with organizations such as the Virginia Arts Festival, Arts for Learning CT, Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival, and Quogue Chamber Music. Amo Brass is committed to supporting new music and living composers. In 2025, fueled by New England Conservatory’s Entrepreneurial Music Grant, they spearheaded a consortium to fund a new work for brass quintet by dynamic artist Aliyah Danielle.

Fischoff’s Education Director, Kara Kane, is pleased to welcome back Amo Brass and to highlight the artistry of brass chamber music. “Amo Brass left an indelible mark upon audiences during our 50th Anniversary Competition. Their commitment to education and to expanding the impact of brass repertoire for the next generation is truly inspiring. As individuals, they also bring distinguished experience as public servants, with several members serving as band members in the West Point Band and Naval Academy Band, and as a fellow of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. We’re thrilled for them to share with our students the many possibilities music can offer—from bringing stories to life through S.A.M. I Am to using their instruments and music as a force for community impact.”

On behalf of Amo Brass, Olivia Martinez responded to news of the award, “We are elated to receive the Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association! Performing at the Fischoff Competition was a formative opportunity for our ensemble, and in partnering with Fischoff, we hope to connect with many students to bring them interactive and inspiring musical experiences!” 

Fischoff’s Educator Award Residency is generously made possible by lead sponsor the Shein Trust, and in part with the support of Anonymous, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and The Fort Wayne Saint Mary Mother of God Parish Heritage Fund, Diocese of Fort Wayne South Bend. Visit www.fischoff.org for more details.