I often talk about the value of music programs in the school setting. As many of you have heard before, I grew up without a school music program, with no option of learning an instrument or spreading my wings musically.
Here in our great city, we put great value on our music programs and because of that focus, Neuqua Valley High School has been rewarded with a Grammy and recognized as the best music program in the country.
By offering extracurricular groups like Jazz Band and fiddler ensembles, we greatly increase the value of our program. Yet I believe it is something called “Technique” that has lifted our talented youngsters to the upper echelon that the Grammy board could not ignore.
Technique is something like a semi-private lesson that is offered to our music students during their regular school day, aside from their normal band or orchestra class. These Technique classes are focused lessons that get players of one particular instrument together, and are often limited to 3-6 students. This kind of intense teaching is what brings out the best in any musician.
While parents and loved ones are paying hundreds, often thousands of dollars for private teachers, our schools include similar instruction as part of an expertly directed music program.
Besides prestige and a sense of great accomplishment, this Grammy also brings greater property values and recognition to everyone that is a part of Naperville. As one of the many hands that are responsible for lifting our city to stellar heights, our music program has just lifted us all a little bit higher.
