Lakewood Ranch among best nation's best music programs

Mariana Alvarez and Erika Walters – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - On Monday May 12, The Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Music Department was honored with the Support Music Merit Award for its excellent commitment to music education.

This award was awarded by National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. This foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. They do this by investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, they strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities.

LRHS was one of only 87 schools nationwide and one out of only two schools in Florida that received this prestigious award.

LRHS Principal Dustin Dahlquist said, “The Music programs at Lakewood Ranch High School have always been an integral part of our school. Our music programs increase student engagement, build student confidence, and foster a sense of appreciation for cultural differences.”

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Band Director John Wilkerson expressed his excitement and appreciation, “We are very grateful for our administration and their support for music education.”

In order to qualify for the Music Merit Award, the LRHS music department had to answer specific questions about their funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

The responses were then verified by school officials and reviewed by Wolf Brown, a leading national arts education research firm.