Lewisburg music department recognized
Oct. 27—LEWISBURG — The Lewisburg Area School District Music Department has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
At Thursday night's public school board meeting, Superintendent Cathy Moser announced that the association recognized the district as one of 2023's Best Communities for Music Education for outstanding support of music education and enriching the lives of children and advancing student achievement. The entire music staff of eight attended the meeting to highlight the department's achievements, programs and events.
"We are very proud of our designation as a best community and school district for music education for 13 consecutive years," said Moser.
Lewisburg is among 830 school districts recognized by the association as Best Communities in the nation for music education. The award program "recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education," according to the association.
"We brought our entire music staff here this evening to recognize their good work that results in honor, distinction and the very positive reflection on our school district as a part of their tireless work and their wonderful programming for our students," said Moser. "Congratulations to all of you and thank you."
Music, choral and band instructors from Kelly Elementary School, Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School, Linntown Intermediate School and the high school all presented how they are teaching students and their accomplishments. Among those featured discussion points are the high school band going to Washington, D.C., to play in a Veteran's Day Parade in November; a piano lab starting up in the spring semester; and the high school musical being Mary Poppins in the Spring.
"I do want to thank my colleagues because that is only possible because of what is happening at the elementary and junior high levels," said High School Choral Director Jonathan Walz. "We have a fantastic team of music educators, probably close to 200 years of experience between all of us here, and it certainly shows with our students. We are very proud of them and honored to be taking part in this."
School board directors showered the music department with praise.
"Thank you all to the members of the music program," said Director Ross Muir. "Obviously that's really impressive and fun to see. As the dad of three little ones, I'm really excited about their future."
Director Heather Haynos said she was not surprised to see the district in its 13th year of winning the music award.
"That team of music educators really blows me away," she said.
Director Mary Ann Stanton echoed Haynos's comments.
"The music program just, every time, blows me away," said Stanton. "I'm grateful my kids had the experience that they did in that music program."
