Press Release - 96 Outstanding Student Musicians Honored as "2006 All-USA High School Musicians" by MENC: The National Association for Music Education
96 Outstanding Student Musicians Honored as "2006 All-USA High School Musicians" by MENC: The National Association for Music Education
RESTON, VA (June 21, 2006) — Ninety-six outstanding high school students have been named the finalists in the 2006 All-USA High School Musicians, a program sponsored by MENC: The National Association for Music Education. Music teachers around the country nominated students displaying exceptional musical achievement, academic prowess and community involvement for this honor. From these nominations, members of the 257th Army Band and the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" selected the one hundred finalists.
"High school musicians are asked to balance commitments to family, academics, community, and their personal life, all while maintaining high musical skill levels," said John J. Mahlmann, MENC executive director. "MENC is pleased to recognize these outstanding students for their dedication and hard work."
The finalists include high school students from 30 states and from 66 schools. Thirteen schools were honored with more than one representative. Two students were named finalists in two instrument categories, and one student was named finalist in three categories.
"MENC understands the impact high quality music programs have on the academic, social, artistic, and personal development of young people," says David Circle, President of MENC. "Music helps to foster well-rounded individuals who become successful members of society. Through the All-USA High School Musicians, we are showcasing these talented students, and their teachers, to the music community and the entire nation."
Each member of the All-USA High School Musicians received a $200 scholarship toward pursuing his or her musical studies. Hershey Foods Corporation provided $20,000 in scholarship funds.
To see a list of the finalists, visit www.menc.org/allusamusicians.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world's largest arts education organization, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 120,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.
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