District recognized for music education

For the 14th consecutive year, the city of Troy was named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. The award recognizes the efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who made sure notable music education is part of the curriculum.

“Our music programs at the middle and high school levels — choir, band and orchestra — by nature are ensemble programs,” said Joe Havrilla, Troy School District’s instrumental music coordinator.

“This has been a year of adaptation and growth for performing arts teachers in the district as they need to continually pivot between 100 percent virtual and hybrid classroom situations.”

He said one of the most difficult tasks has been simultaneous teaching both in-seat and virtual students while keeping each group engaged and active in the learning process. By utilizing technology, students have been able to develop their skills and knowledge using programs such as Acapella, iMovie, SmartMusic, Garageband and Noteflight. These expanded options have also helped student musicians who are struggling – allowing them more opportunities to work with teachers and get the support they need to be successful.

“As we returned to a hybrid learning situation, teachers rose to the challenge of providing rewarding lessons for simultaneous in-seat and virtual students,” said Havrilla. “Our staff has continually reimagined ways to provide enjoyable and educational opportunities for students to make music.”