RHS is one of four schools to be named a finalist for the 2010 GRAMMY Signature Schools Program in the state of Maryland, not to mention the only school in Montgomery County.
The GRAMMY Signature School’s program is sponsored by the Gibson Foundation, which awards high school music programs each year. Each Grammy Signature School receives a grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit the school’s music program.
In order to stress the importance of continuing and pursuing music throughout high school, the GRAMMY Foundation brings professional musicians to participate at presentation events. The Foundation brings together professionals such as Gavin DeGraw and Destiny’s Child to encourage students to continue their music careers.
Freshman Jennifer Woo, a clarinet player in the RHS marching band, is a new student in the Music Department. “I feel that the band provides a good learning environment for people that want to learn how to read music and play it well,” said Woo.
A panel of judges, including top music educators and professionals, will narrow the finalists from 140 schools down to 20 to 25 to be designated as a GRAMMY Signature School. The schools in consideration for the award will have to submit a detailed application describing what their music department offers to the students, as well as the type of support received from administration and parents.
”I push all my students to be the best they can be… things usually get more intense when we get closer to a performance,” said Music Department Chairman Phil Barnes. In 2007, Barnes was named Class Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars.
The 2010 GRAMMY Signature Schools will be announced in March of 2010. Until then, the Music Department will have to wait to obtain the results. Meanwhile, they will also be preparing for the MCPS Big Band Festival Jazz Ensemble on Dec. 12.
Chris Vadala, the jazz director at the University of Maryland, can be attributed to the success of the band. He generously committed time to help the RHS jazz students prepare for the county jazz festival. “He was helpful. He told us what parts needed improvement and helped us improve those pieces,” said sophomore Elliot Byrne, a bass trombone player.
With all the work needed to prepare for a concert, students must work hard to perfect their pieces. “A couple of ensembles have to work a little harder right now, but I am confident they can do it,” said Barnes.
