Troy Again Named Best Community for Music Education

It’s been quite a year. And even though many fine arts ensembles were unable to meet, practice and perform as they were used to doing, Troy was still named a 2021 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made exemplary music education part of the curriculum.

This is the 14th consecutive year Troy has received this elite designation, and it is especially impressive given this year’s pandemic challenges changed so much of how our music programs functioned. “Our music programs at the middle- and high-school levels—choir, band and orchestra—by nature are ensemble programs,” said TSD Instrumental Music Coordinator Joe Havrilla. “This has been a year of adaptation and growth for performing arts teachers in the Troy School District as they need to continually “pivot” between 100% virtual -vs- hybrid classroom situations. Throughout this time, they have been able to maintain a varied and valuable curriculum for students. Some activities from previous years have been adapted to the new learning settings, but most of the music learning students are engaged in today are being created by teachers for their unique situations.”

One of the most difficult tasks has been simultaneous teaching to both in-seat and virtual students, while keeping each group engaged and active in the learning process. Teachers have risen to the challenge and created lessons and methods that can engage students, regardless of their physical location. In addition, new technology advancements have enabled students to develop their skills and knowledge using programs such as Acapella, iMovie, SmartMusic, Garageband, and Noteflight. These expanded options have also helped the struggling student musicians, allowing them more opportunities to work with teachers and get the support they need to be successful.

Throughout the pandemic, the Troy School District has made it a priority to maintain and support the Performing Arts. Music classes at all levels were adapted for online learning so that students continued to receive a well-rounded education and all music teachers retained their positions. “As we returned to a hybrid learning situation teachers rose to the challenge of providing rewarding lessons for simultaneous in-seat and virtual students,” concluded Havrilla. “Our staff has continually reimagined ways to provide enjoyable and educational opportunities for students to make music.”

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Photo courtesy of the Troy School District: Troy High’s Orchestras began the school year by getting creative and making music under a big tent, in order to accommodate COVID protections and social distancing.