2026 Ray Eubanks Distinguished Service Award Honorees
For decades, dedicated music educators across Columbus have inspired young people to discover confidence, creativity, and community through jazz.
The Ray Eubanks Distinguished Service Award, established in 2015 and named for Jazz Arts Group founder Ray Eubanks, recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on central Ohio through jazz performance, education and community leadership.
We are proud to announce the 2026 honorees, two educators whose decades of service have shaped generations of Columbus musicians.
BRUCE CARLSON | COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS
Bruce Carlson has devoted 35 years to teaching music, including the past 17 years at Dominion Middle School, where his band program has flourished and grown significantly under his leadership. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Bruce earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education before completing his Master of Music in Euphonium Performance and Education at the University of Akron.
Beyond the classroom, Bruce continues to share his love of music by performing with the OSU Alumni Band and other local community ensembles. Bruce views teaching not merely as a profession, but as a calling. His faith is central to his life and shapes the way he leads—with patience, integrity, excellence, and genuine care for every student entrusted to him. He considers it a privilege to help young musicians grow not only in skill, but in confidence, character, and purpose.
When he’s not directing rehearsals or performing, Bruce enjoys hiking with his wife, Molly, exploring local parks and appreciating the beauty of creation. Their two children, Nels and Anna—both enthusiastic Buckeye fans—remain the apple of his eye.
SAM RICHARDSON | COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS
Sam Richardson, a graduate of Jackson State University, began his teaching career in the Columbus Public Schools (now CCS) in 1987 as an elementary instrumental music specialist for six different schools. From there, he went on to teach at Westmoor Middle School for 7 years, Franklin Alternative Middle School for 11 years, Columbus East High school for 3 years and Columbus Alternative High School for 15 years. He has also served as an assistant/music arranger at West High School and Eastmoor High School. At one point Sam taught grade levels 4-12 for ten years, a period to which he credits his success as an instrumental music teacher.
He feels honored to have conducted the All-City Middle School Concert Band and Orchestra during the days when the performances were at St. Johns Arena. His students actively participate in community music programming outside of school throughout the city, where you can find Sam in attendance offering his support. Sam has been recognized for his excellence in music education by the Columbus PTA, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and now proudly one of the recipients of The Ray Eubanks Distinguished Service Award.
