Norwin music program 1 of 6 honored in Westmoreland

Norwin’s music program has joined 623 school music programs across the United States, as well as five others in Westmoreland County, to be designated as one of the 2019 Best Communities for Music Education.

Norwin has a robust musical program with more than 20 musical ensembles involved in more than 100 performances, Michael Szymanski, chairman of the Norwin music department, told the school board recently in discussing the recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

Norwin’s varied musical performances include musicals, band festivals and county band, Szymanski said.

“What a great place this is to make music,” Szymanski said of Norwin, noting the district has allowed the music program to grow during the past 40 to 50 years.

The designation for “Best Communities for Music Education” is awarded to districts that not only have high participation in music classes and support for music programs, but that also meet standards related to funding and graduation requirements. The music merchants foundation, which is based in Carlsbad, Calif., advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

The other Westmoreland County school districts receiving the recognition were Burrell, Franklin Regional, Greater Latrobe, Greensburg Salem and Kiski Area.

The North Hills School District is among the other Western Pennsylvania school districts to be recognized by the foundation. Norwin superintendent-elect Jeff Taylor is an assistant superintendent there. Taylor will take over as Norwin’s superintendent July 1.