WEST BRANCH RECOGNIZED WITH MUSIC EDUCATION AWARD

(May 12, 2023, Beloit, Ohio) – West Branch Local School District is one of 830 United States districts that has been awarded NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education Award for the tenth year in a row. The district is proud to have such an established music program.

“The fact that we are able to offer a music program that rivals huge school districts is one of the biggest factors,” says Krista Clay, Director of Vocal Music at West Branch Middle School. “We have the most supportive community which ultimately helps us to continue to move forward and offer more and more exciting and new opportunities for our students.”

Clay attributes this honor to the number of musical opportunities West Branch students are provided with. While many districts perform one musical every year, West Branch strives to have at least two performances per year, some of which include 100 students in grades 3-12.

“We see the value in every performing ensemble or class that we offer,” says Clay. “We understand that in a school our size, many students are involved in music programs while also being student-athletes, on top of maintaining their school work. We all support each other.”

This year alone, the District’s Marching Band and Young & Alive Show Choir traveled to Disney for performances, and the theater department had the privilege of performing Disney’s Frozen Jr. The music department also put on Carols, Cookies, Cocoa & Claus, a holiday event featuring a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, and holiday music.

Mrs. Clay is grateful to the West Branch community for their continued support of the District’s music program. It is with their support, as well as the support of staff and students, that West Branch Local School District has received this honor.