VIDEO: Clarence Music Programs Recognized for 20th Consecutive Year
VIDEO: Clarence Music Programs Recognized for 20th Consecutive Year
Updated
A love of music is one that is nurtured throughout the years at the Clarence Central School District. It may start with a percussion lesson for the youngest learners, or the first instrumental pairings for students in fourth grade. Those foundational opportunities can inspire students to bigger moments, like joining the cast and crew of a Clarence Middle School musical, or playing a complex piece like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Kleinhans Music Hall with fellow members of a Clarence High School music ensemble.
“It’s just incredible, that kind of growth,” said Louis Vitello, the District’s Music Department Chairman. “It takes a lot of dedication and interest to get to that point. It also has to do with every single faculty member that student has seen along the way encouraging and nurturing that musical growth from kindergarten through 12th grade.”
The District’s emphasis on developing students’ love of music was recognized as it received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for the 20th consecutive year. The foundation said awardees were selected through a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation, and community engagement.
The district’s musical offerings also involve collaborations with community, regional and state-level music ensembles, and group excursions for student musicians to take part in music study and performances.
Vitello, who has served the District for 29 years, praised the quality of the music faculty in the District for inspiring student achievement. He also shared the department’s appreciation for the support of families, school leaders and the Clarence community.
“From our concerts to our musicals, music does a lot for our community, and it brings our community together to watch our students perform at a very high level,” he said.
More information about the Music Department at the Clarence Central School District can be found at https://www.clarenceschools.org/music. A video about the program can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLPi0CiIKXM.
