National nod for North Allegheny music program strikes high note

By Daveen Rae Kurutz
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 8, 2008

Taylor Praskach didn't believe it when her wind ensemble director told her that the group was selected for a national award. After seeing a congratulatory letter, the North Allegheny Senior High School senior realized she was part of something special.
"Our program is fantastic. Music is as necessary as other subjects in school," said Praskach, 17, of Marshall. "NA understands that and supports it."

North Allegheny's music program has garnered national exposure. The district was recently recognized as one of the 2008 "Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation, the charitable branch of the International Music Products Association. It comes on the heels of the district's wind ensemble receiving an award from Downbeat Magazine for best classical group in the high school division.

The district's music program is intensive and offers elective classes starting in third grade, said department chair Robert Tozier. While all students in kindergarten through eighth grade are required to take a general music class, Tozier said about 6,000 of the district's approximately 8,000 students are enrolled in elective music classes, such as band, music theory or song writing.

"This honor affirms on a national level the high caliber of our music program and faculty," said Superintendent Patricia Green. "They are truly second to none. Our student musicians achieve at the highest levels because of the opportunities and support they encounter here at North Allegheny."
The district received top honors at the recent "Festival Disney," a nationwide band competition, which adds to a banner month for North Allegheny music. Being named to the NAMM list, which included 110 districts nationwide, provided affirmation to district officials that they are succeeding in shaping well-rounded, creative students, leaders said.

"Music gives the kids an outlet," Tozier said. "To me, we're better preparing kids for their future because when it comes right down to it, we're teaching creativity."

The Downbeat award left some students and faculty stunned. Director of bands Todd Stefan likens Downbeat Magazine to the Sports Illustrated of classical music magazines. His wind ensemble, which includes juniors and seniors, placed at the top among more than 150 schools in the United States, Canada and Europe.

"They love the music we're playing; I think that's what makes it so great," Stefan said. "I'll catch these kids on their mp3 players listening to wind band music and jazz ensemble music. They don't look at it as they have to go to band, it's that they want to."

Tozier promised not to rest just because North Allegheny has tasted the top.

"We're musicians, we always strive for perfection," Tozier said. "That's why they're always in that practice room working out that hard piano or saxophone lick, working to make it that much better. They know they have it in them."

Daveen Rae Kurutz can be reached at dkurutz@tribweb.com or 412-380-5627.