Rare, National Honor Given To Lakewood Schools Music Program

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Lakewood City Schools have once again been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education, a rare designation bestowed on only 4 percent of school districts. This is the second straight year the Lakewood Schools have earned this honor.

“We are blessed with a community that values the importance of music education and supports our efforts to provide the highest level of instruction to our students. I am proud of our dedicated and talented teachers, who work to instill an appreciation of music in all our students and challenge our best musicians to reach new levels,” said Superintendent Jeff Patterson in a statement.

The award recognizes districts that provide music access and education opportunities to all students. To qualify for the award, each district must provide details on funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the local music program and community music-making programs.

In Lakewood, the district begins offering music education in kindergarten. Opportunities to participate in music programs continue all the way through 12th grade. Instrumental instruction starts in the 5th grade, the district said.

Middle school offerings include classroom band, orchestra, and choir. There are also extracurricular opportunities with Strolling Strings and Jazz Band.

At the high school level, there are five orchestras, four choirs, three bands and classes in music theory, music history, pop music and keyboard. There are also extracurriculars like the Ranger Marching Band, The Lakewood Project, Chamber Choir and Jazz Band, among others.

“Both of our children have had more opportunity and better support in their musical pursuits than we could have ever imagined. The teachers stand up for the value of music education, and that creates an atmosphere in which kids excel: they see that people care,” said parent Michael Gill. “When our kids have had the opportunity to go beyond the school’s programs, their teachers have always been there to support them.”

On top of all that, the district has a Grammy nominated teacher and the Music Boosters are able to provide thousands of dollars in scholarships for private music lessons. Lakewood is a pretty sound place to be for musicians.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch