LH high school awarded national music honor
Due to its outstanding commitment to music education, Laurel Highlands High School was recently honored with the Support Music Merit Award, presented by the NAMM Foundation, a supporting organization of the National Association of Music Merchants.
Laurel Highlands joined 132 schools across the country in receiving the prestigious award for 2015.
“I am really proud of our kids and thankful for the support that the music program receives from the teachers and administration,” said Mark Santore, director of band.
The SupportMusic Merit Award is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the award, Santore answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. His responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Center of Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
“This national award supports the efforts of teachers, parents, students and administrators to keep music education strong in Laurel Highlands,” said Lora Bodmer, NAMM director of public relations and media. “The program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction.”
Santore said the high school offers comprehensive curriculum when it comes to the music program, which benefits students planning to continue music education at the college level.
As electives, the program offers symphonic band, jazz ensemble and percussion ensemble. The school also features two choirs; chorale choir and chamber choir for the more advanced.
“If a school does feature something like this it’s usually after school,” Santore said.
The program also offers two levels of music theory, regular and AP. The courses include intro to guitar, musical theatre and applied music.
The latter class, Santore said, is for students wanting to minor or major in music in college. The two-year course involves the students obtaining an approved private instructor for after-school practice. During the school day, the students are allowed one full class period to practice for recitals and prepare for college auditions.
“While taking this course, the students are also required to perform two recitals at the school, and they must also complete a paper on a composer or musical time period that relates to their work,” Santore said.
The two recitals are held during the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Students are required to perform at least one solo performance.
Santore said there are usually about five to 10 performers at each recital.
Implemented this year at the high school is the Academy of Fine Arts. Depending on a students’ college major, a student may choose from art, music (vocal and instrumental) or theater as an emphasis.
“This way, we have a set curriculum available for them to prepare for college,” Santore said.
In the spring, Laurel Highlands also hosts a percussion workshop sponsored by the Laurel Highlands Academic Foundation. Members from West Virginia University bring equipment from their percussion studio to work with the high school students.
A concert is presented at the end of the day.
“This year, we invited the Life Skills students, and we want to invite local school districts to attend,” Santor said. “We want this to be a central hub for the arts.
Marching band is also offered after school hours.
Santore said he believes having a strong music program also provides academic benefits.
“Music helps with creativity, critical thinking and leadership,” he said. “I strongly believe that the students who go through our program are more prepared for college.”
Bodmer said the benefits of music education have been proven.
“A new body of evidence released at the start of the school year by Northwestern University brain researcher Dr. Nina Kraus shows that participation in music education helps improve brain function and sparks language development,” she said.
In the meantime, Santore said there are two levels to the award: One is presented to a single school, while a separate award can be presented to an entire school district.
“There are still a few more things we need to do at the middle and elementary school, but I really think we can get it,” he said.
Executive Director of the NAMM Foundation Mary Luehrsen said it is important to keep music in schools.
“We applaud Laurel Highlands High School for earning the SupportMusic Merit Award for their investment into music education. They join with so many that believe, as we do, that there is a vital link between music in schools and overall student success in life,” she said.
A non-profit, the NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, visit nammfoundation.org.