Esperanza Academy Music Teacher Recognized on Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” List

Esperanza Academy Music Teacher Recognized on Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” List

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Mr. Miguel Hidalgo, Music Teacher and Music Director at Esperanza Academy Charter School, has been recognized by Yamaha Corporation in their prestigious “40 Under 40” list. Yamaha describes its “40 Under 40” list as a way to “recognize and celebrate outstanding young music educators”, particularly those who demonstrate action, courage, creativity, and growth. This distinguished honor highlights Mr. Hidalgo’s dedication and excellence in music education.

Mr. Hidalgo has taught music at Esperanza Academy for the last seven years, and currently leads the band, choir, and string orchestra for 9th through 12th grade. Teaching students of varying levels of musical skill and development has its challenges, but Mr. Hidalgo is passionate about helping his students grow through focus on foundational skills and consistent practice. He explains, “I [encourage] them to explore and accept the initial discomfort of sounding ‘bad’ to reinforce the idea that mastery evolves through persistence. By fostering a mindset that acknowledges the journey from imperfection to proficiency, I hope to empower students to navigate challenges and find joy in their musical growth.”

Mr. Hidalgo also strives to foster camaraderie among his students by encouraging group collaboration and teamwork. When the school’s bands perform, rather than conducting the ensembles himself, he pushes his students to learn how to trust and listen to each other. Speaking of his students, he shares that they “are among the most talented that I have had the privilege of teaching. Despite the challenges of working with orchestral and other instruments that require frequent maintenance, their immense heart, passion, and dedication prevail. Their commitment not only overcomes instrument limitations but also elevates the program, turning adversity into a testament to their artistry.”

As a Latino teacher at a school that primarily serves children of color, Hidalgo is passionate about being a role model for his students. He says that, “This representation fosters a sense of belonging and demonstrates the possibility of breaking down barriers and stereotypes. As a role model, not only am I dedicated to supporting their academic growth but also strive to instill values, build resilience, and empower students to believe in their limitless potential.”

Mrs. Jeana Davis, the Chief Academic Officer and Interim CEO at Esperanza Academy, expresses her congratulations on Mr. Hidalgo’s achievement: “We are immensely proud to have Mr. Hidalgo as part of our music faculty. We are excited to see how he will continue to impact our students, inspire their musical journeys, and continue to further grow and develop our music program.” The entire Esperanza Academy community congratulates Mr. Hidalgo on this
well-deserved honor.

For media inquiries, please contact: Jelissa Gonzalez, Director of Strategic Initiatives, jelissagonzalez@neacademy.net, (267) 270-4044 ext. 1122

About Esperanza Academy Charter School:
Esperanza Academy Charter School is a K-12 charter school in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. Esperanza Academy Charter School is dedicated to providing a quality education that prepares critically thinking, socially capable, spiritually sensitive, and culturally aware young adults who can use English, Spanish, and technology as tools for success in the 21st century. For more information visit www.esperanzaacademycs.org.