LAKELAND (Jan. 12, 2009) – Florida Southern College Professor Arthur J. Pranno has been named the College Music Educator of the Year by the Florida Music Educators Association.

Mr. Pranno is director of string studies in the FSC Music Department, conducts the college orchestra and the new music ensemble, and teaches violin and a contemporary music history class.

At the FMEA annual meeting, he also received a distinguished service award from the Florida Chapter of the American String Teacher’s Association.

Mr. Pranno said, “I’m very flattered and honored to receive the recognition. I never really expected to win; I thought it was wonderful to be nominated.”

The award is presented annually to a music educator to recognize exemplary service to students, the community, and the profession, and outstanding merit in music teaching or administration. Mr. Pranno was nominated for the award by Tom Silliman, a music teacher from Brevard County, Fla. He also received letters of support from Dr. Brian Brink, chairman of the FSC Music Department, and Dr. Jo Jossim, a colleague in the department.

“He is a fantastic colleague,” said Dr. Brink. “It was nice to see the state of Florida recognize the same great qualities we see every day.”

Mr. Pranno received a bachelor of music from the University of Iowa and a master of music from Arizona State University. A native of Chicago, he grew up surrounded by music, as his father and mother both taught music in the public schools there.

Dr. Paula Parsché, former chairman of the Music Department, called Mr. Pranno “a Chicago version of the Renaissance man,” noting that he knows a lot about everything -- from astronomy and art to politics and pizza (from his native Chicago, of course).

“He is a dynamic, compassionate musician and a fascinating person,” Dr. Parsché said. “With him around, there is never a dull moment or a dull conversation.”