Wendee Wolf-Schlarf, a long-time music educator with Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), was honored with the “Reaching for the Stars” award at the 2020 Michigan Music Conference earlier this month. The award, presented each year by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), recognizes individuals “who have had a significant impact on music education in Michigan for many years,” both through teaching and volunteer service to the MSVMA.

Wolf-Schlarf came to TCAPS in 1987 with a bachelor of arts in choral music education from Albion College, later earning a masters of music in choral conducting from Michigan State University. She has taught general music and choir at numerous schools throughout the district. Currently, she conducts the Vocal Majority women’s ensemble at Central High School and two other women’s choirs at West Senior High. She is also the district’s K-12 Music Department Coordinator, the top leadership role for the music programs within TCAPS.

In addition to the Reaching for the Stars award, Wolf-Schlarf has previously received several prestigious music education awards at the state level. In 2005, she was named “Teacher of the Year” by MSVMA, and 2013, she won “Music Educator of the Year” honors from the Michigan Music Education Association.