The ninth annual art and music show at Sherwood Heights in Auburn had a little something extra this year. Music teacher Mike Davis was presented with the Maine Music Award for Elementary Music Educator of the Year.

Davis knew he'd been nominated but was unaware he'd been chosen as one of this year's recipients. Even more of a surprise was that Katherine Grondin, principal of Sherwood Heights, arranged to have the award presented to Davis a few weeks early in front of the students and their families.

"It is my honor as Maine Music Association's president-elect and as a friend to present you with the Maine Music Educators Association's Elementary Music Educator of the Year," said Sam Moore-Young.

Grondin handed Davis flowers, gave him a hug and addressed the audience.

"It's such an honor to work with Mike Davis," said Grondin. "He really gives 110 percent to all your boys and girls."

Davis' wife, Sue, was in on the surprise, but few others, including staff, knew. Grondin kept out of sight until minutes before the show opened, hoping not to tip Davis off about the award.

After graciously accepting the award and gifts, Davis thanked Moore-Young and Grondin and introduced the pre-K students for the opening of the show.

Using some of what he learned on his trip to Africa last summer, he conducted the little ones as they moved through the first song waving their arms like birds, gracefully soaring through the sky.

The children mirror his enthusiasm, which is most certainly the key to the show's continuing success and popularity. Just two years ago, due to high turnouts, the show was divided into two separate nights. The first show is for pre-K to third grade, the second for fourth through sixth grades.

As each grade climbed the stage to perform, Davis' energy never wavered. The parents, siblings and family in the audience clapped and laughed, waving at their child or loved one in return.

The show lasted roughly 45 minutes to an hour and took about "eight weeks to rehearse" explained Davis, who has been the school's music teacher since it became a full-time class in Auburn schools nine years ago.

According to the MMEA, the purpose of the award is "to give recognition for exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments by one or more MMEA members to the advancement of music education in the schools of Maine."

A music teacher has to meet eligibility requirements to be considered for the award. They have to be a member of the MMEA and employed in some manner by a school or college in Maine, show effectiveness in teaching through music while inspiring positive attitudes in students, the school and community, create and maintain an effective music education program, and demonstrate educational innovation and continued professional growth.

"He truly is deserving of this," said Grondin.