For the eighth consecutive year, the Clearview Regional School District has been named to the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) best communities for music education.
The NAMM designation applies to school districts that show outstanding achievement in providing musical arts education and access to music.
“We’re fortunate that we have a strong history of music education,” said the school’s director of bands, Tyler Wiernusz. “We have a lot of people come out to our events; the district allows us to do a lot, and it’s an excellent thing.”
The district was scored based on music curriculum; recent ensemble and student honors; number of students enrolled in music classes across the schools; extracurricular offerings; teacher qualifications; community engagement; district and administrative support; music events; and opportunities provided to students and teachers in and out of district classrooms.
Clearview had high scores in all categories and was ranked by NAMM in the top 6% of schools in the country.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our music and choir educators, students, families, administrators, board of education and community members who continually recognize and support the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education,” said school Superintendent John Horchak.
“Our music programs continuously help students develop creativity; discipline; collaboration; and confidence, which are skills that will benefit them beyond the school stage or classrooms.”
Horchak also cited the district’s connection to performing.
“We are proud that our students have access to outstanding instrumental, vocal and performance opportunities that encourage both artistic growth and personal development,” he explained. “This continued recognition reinforces the importance of sustaining strong arts programs and ensuring that all students have opportunities to explore and excel in music education.”
According to Wiernusz, community pride has a lot to do with the music program’s success. The district’s bands will perform at events this month and next, including the wind ensemble at Mantua’s Memorial Day event and a new modern band that will perform at graduation this year.
“It’s a combination of having strong support and having hard-working students, who put a lot of effort into their work,” he noted. “It’s a huge honor to have the recognition for everything, to be acknowledged with a lot of great music categories.”
Clearview High’s wind symphonic band performed at the school’s theater on April 29. The district’s music program was among standouts around the country.
