| | Published June 23rd, 2010
| Acalanes Wins Prestigious Music Award
| | By Cathy Tyson | | |
Acalanes High School recently received an award for being a "Best Community for Music Education." Director of Choral Activities Bruce Lengacher and Norman Dea, Director of Instrumental Music, were presented lovely framed certificates recognizing their contribution to the vibrant music scene at Acalanes by Colleen McCormick of Lamorinda Music on behalf of the NAMM Foundation.
Acalanes was one of only 174 schools nationwide to be recognized for its commitment to music education. "This community is so generous," said Dea, who has spent the last 25 years at Las Lomas, coming to Acalanes only two years ago. The music program at Acalanes is made up of six instrumental music groups: Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Pit Orchestra.
Visual and Performing Arts department chair Lengacher was equally humbled, "I am so proud of my students and it's so rewarding for me to see them and our program acknowledged." He said he owes a debt to this community that values the arts and those who came before him all the way back to Dick Hanson who started the music program at Acalanes back in 1941. In addition to the NAMM award, he was just named Teacher of the Year earlier that day by his fellow instructors. Lengacher feels the key ingredients to a successful music education program are: sequential music education starting at the elementary level and continuing through high school, community, parent, and district support of music education at all levels, and finally willing students who wish to explore a well-rounded curriculum of musical instruction and performing ensembles.
The many students in attendance were clearly fans of both teachers, and were looking forward to summer vacation, with only one day left of school for the year. Natasha Jarett, a senior who will be attending UC Davis in the fall, said, "It's so corny - but the choir people are like my family - you just don't make the same level of connections in English or math class."
Jason Long, a senior who will be attending Hartt School, a comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford said, "The music program at Acalanes really helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. It's a very nurturing environment."
The NAMM Foundation, a trade association of the international music products industry, is dedicated to advancing active participation in music making.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | Advertisement | | |
| | | | | | Comments | | | | | |  | | |
| | |  | | |
| | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA