The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is proud to announce its annual community recognition program – the AJC Celebrating Teachers Awards. We believe the very best of the best are worth honoring and giving them the recognition they deserve. This will be a moment of significant pride for the honoree, their family and school.
With a love of gospel and vocal performance and a passion for teaching, Chelsea Cook has emerged one of DeKalb County’s most unique music educators in her eight years of service.
The Clayton State University and Georgia State University graduate is best known for her “out of the box” xylophone ensemble arrangements, including her “Dynamic Dolphins” ensemble, which has performed at holiday tours at the White House, Sweet Auburn Music Festival, on Good Day Atlanta and more.
The “Dynamic Dolphins” are also three-time National Champions of the Music USA Festivals of Orlando, Florida.
Recently, Cook was appointed director of the Dynamix DeKalb District Honor Orff Ensemble of DeKalb County Public Schools, a group that’s already won four out of five categories at the Music Showcase Festivals in Austell.
Dynamix is the first ensemble from the county to be invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago this December. It’s the largest band and orchestra conference in the world.
When she’s not teaching music, Cook enjoys fishing, watching the hit NBC show, “Matlock,” and singing.
In fact, of all the influences she’s had in her life, Mother Bettie Ann Pace of the gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters and Lashun Pace, has left an indelible mark on Cook.
“Mother Pace further instilled in me the teachings of my parents; the importance of prayer, the love of God and people,” Cook said.
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