Dr. Justin Antos is about to experience a night most educators never imagine, hanging out with music superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift at the Grammy Awards. However, his invitation isn’t due to chart-topping hits but rather his extraordinary influence in the classroom.
For nearly two decades, Antos has been shaping young musicians as the director of bands and orchestras at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento Ave., Blue Island.
He was nominated by a group of students.
“This nomination means the world to me,” Antos, of Frankfort, said. “No aspiring music teacher goes to music school thinking that something like this will ever happen to them. My goal has always been to just go to work every day and try to be better than I was the day before. To be celebrated and thought of so highly by so many people is incredibly humbling. Honestly, I am not sure what I did to deserve this.”
Under his leadership, Eisenhower’s music program has thrived, winning countless awards and setting a standard of excellence.
The marching band’s record speaks for itself. They have gone undefeated in three separate competitive seasons, and just recently, they secured their 50th first-place finish since the program was launched a decade ago.
Thanks to his commitment and passion, Antos has been named one of 10 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Music Educator Award, an honor presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
This marks his third nomination for the award, and students are hopeful that this time, he will bring home the recognition he deserves.
“Teaching music is never boring,” Antos said. “There is always something fun and exciting on the horizon. I really enjoy working with students to help them achieve their fullest potential and to help them realize that their contributions are worth celebrating.”
Antos attended Saint Xavier University and earned Bachelor of Music degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education (summa cum laude). He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Boston University, a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from Central Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Education degree in School Improvement Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Music Education and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Music Education, both from Auburn University.
He is currently completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Northern Illinois University.
However, his love of music began right at home as a young child.
“There was always music being played in my home growing up,” Antos said. “Music was also the first thing in which I felt I was naturally gifted. I remember feeling confident in my abilities as a young music student, which set me on a trajectory to want to keep getting better. My music teachers were also extraordinary individuals who fostered my love and curiosity for music, helping me discover my sound – both literally and figuratively.”
Antos began teaching at Eisenhower in 2009. Prior to his appointment at Eisenhower, he worked at Northwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park as a pre-k through sixth-grade General Music Teacher and Choir Director.
“Music education is simply transformational,” Antos said. “Music teachers are able to create safe spaces for their students unlike anything that is seen anywhere in schools. I often tell my colleagues that we are not only in the business of shaping lives, but in some cases, saving lives.
I encourage others to write a letter to one of your school administrators, email your school board, or send a message to your state senator or representative explaining that music’s place in schools is essential. In my 17 years of teaching music, I have learned that no student can fully devote themselves to anything until they first feel loved, encouraged, and cared for, and I believe that active participation in music education is a terrific way to ensure that these basic needs are met.”
This isn’t the first time Antos has received national attention. In 2024, he was honored with the CMA Music Teacher of Excellence Award at the Country Music Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy in the field.
“I’m just humbled that others think so highly of what I do. But at the end of the day, it’s really about the students. Without them, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today,” Antos said.
Winning the Grammy Music Educator Award would come with more than just recognition, it would also include a $10,000 prize for both Antos and Eisenhower High School, a boost that would benefit future generations of students.
The Grammys will air on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. on CBS.