Albion music program makes it 11 years in a row for national recognition
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Albion Marching Band performs during the Memorial Day parade last May.
ALBION – The Albion music program has made it 11 straight years of being recognized on a national list of schools with outstanding music programs.
The North American Music Merchants has its annual lists of school districts that are “Best Communities for Music Education.” Albion is one of 583 districts to be recognized nationally, and the only one in Orleans County.
The NAMM organization gives out the award to recognize districts that make music a priority, especially in an era of tight school budgets and packed student schedules.
“The schools and districts we recognize this year – both new and repeat honorees – represent a diverse group of urban, rural and suburban districts and demographics,” said Mary Luehrsen of The NAMM Foundation. “Along with a strong commitment to music education, there are two common traits that each program shares: consistent funding that anchors music education as part of the core curriculum and music programs that are located in communities where music education is viewed as a jewel of the school system. Parents, administrators and community members are proud of these local music programs and attend them regularly.”
Only about 4 percent of school districts in the country are on the current list, which NAMM started 19 years ago. Albion has now made it 11 straight years. Holley has previously been recognized by NAMM.
Victor Benjovsky portrays Jesus in Albion High School’s production of Godspell, which was performed March 23-24. The district does four musicals each year, with two by both the high school and middle school drama programs.
Albion runs an active music program in the elementary, middle and high schools. The high school puts on two full-scale musical and students also perform in several different instrumental and choral groups. In all, high school musicians perform numerous times during the school year. The Jazz Band Cabaret (April 21 at 6 and 8 p.m.) is next on busy schedule of music events.
The middle school puts on two musicals each year, and its students perform with the marching and jazz bands. Elementary music teachers lead students in performances throughout the year.
Research studies continue to demonstrate the physical, cognitive and social benefits of music making. Students who are involved in a school-based music program are not only more likely to graduate high school and attend college, the NAMM Foundation stated.
Students, with even only a few years of musical training early in life, also are better able to process sound, even later in life. Social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills and learning how to give and receive constructive criticism, NAMM said in announcing the schools on the list.
Some upcoming music events by Albion students include:
May 12: Marching Band @ Lilac Festival Parade
May 16: 5th grade Chorus/Band Concert
May 19: Marching Band @ Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands
May 23: Grades 3 & 4 Chorus/Band Concert
May 28: Marching Band @ Albion’s Memorial Day Parade
May 31: HS Talent Showcase
June 5: MS Band/Chorus Concert
June 6: HS Band Concert
June 7: HS Chorus Concert
June 9: Marching Band @ Strawberry Festival
(All concerts are at 7 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium unless otherwise noted)
For more on NAMM, click here.
