And the Grammy goes to … IUSD’s Northwood High School.
Earning one of the most highly prized accolades for music education, Northwood High learned Thursday that it was one of only 10 schools nationwide to be selected as a Grammy Signature School for 2013, courtesy of the Grammy Foundation.
For those of you scoring at home, Northwood has now taken the honor a total of four times since opening in 1999. In addition to the special designation and a custom award, the school's music program will receive $2,000.
“This recognition is a tribute to our truly talented students and staff,” Principal Leslie Roach said. “Our music directors are talented and inspiring educators whose passion for music and the students they teach is contagious, and the students are incredible musicians who continue to work hard to create amazing music.”
Established in 1989, the Grammy Foundation promotes the impact of recorded music on American culture and recognizes schools that provide exceptional music opportunities for students. Each year, more than 20,000 public high schools have an opportunity to apply to become Grammy Signature Schools, but only a handful earn the honor. IUSD's four comprehensive high schools have been awarded a total of nine times.
"For the past 15 years, our Grammy Signature Schools program has been providing much-needed financial resources and recognizing excellence in schools across the U.S. whose music programs have a positive impact on the lives of their students," said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation, in a news release.
Applications for the honor were submitted online in the fall, and finalists were later asked to submit additional documentation, including concert recordings. Those materials were then reviewed by an independent committee of top music educators and professionals, who decided which schools merited the prestigious designation.
Count Northwood among that group, and not for the first time.