The GRAMMY Foundation® has announced that Hilton High School is among 123 schools nationwide that have been selected as 2014 GRAMMY® Signature Schools semifinalists. Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. This is the sixth time Hilton High School has been nominated.
“The GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes public high schools across the U.S. that are providing excellent music education programs for their students,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY Foundation. “Many of these schools face serious economic challenges, so it’s truly inspiring to see this level of commitment to arts education and to the students who benefit from this type of curriculum.”
The selection process for GRAMMY Signature Schools begins each year in August when the GRAMMY Foundation mails notification to more than 20,000 public high schools from districts large and small, urban, suburban and rural, requesting information about each school’s music program. “We were chosen based on submission of an application which included questions/information regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, program, enrollment, recognitions/awards, festival participation, student involvement within the high school music program and an essay indicating the rigor and excellence demonstrated throughout high school music program,” said Nancy Russo, director of band and program coordinator of music. To complete the next step, each high school music group needs to submit a recording and list of past and present repertoire demonstrating their level of proficiency, which is then reviewed by an independent blue-ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals to determine the schools that merit GRAMMY Signature School status.
In mid-March, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce the finalists. These schools will receive an award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program.
Provided information
12/8/13
