General McLane Contends for GRAMMY Award

General McLane High School recently found itself on a very exclusive list of schools. The GRAMMY Foundation released the 120 semi-finalists for their GRAMMY Signature Schools Award. The list contains schools from across the country, but General McLane is the only school from Northwestern Pennsylvania to be recognized.

The GRAMMY Signature Schools program was created in 1998 and aims to recognize schools across the country that excel in their efforts of music education during the academic year. Beyond recognition, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce their list of finalists in mid-March 2015. These finalists will receive a custom award and a monetary grant ranging between $1,000 and $10,000 to benefit their music programs.

General McLane Superintendent Richard Scaletta said, "We are pleased to have our music program recognized among the best in the nation," after receiving the semi-finalist nomination. The General McLane School District takes pride in having one of the most competitive arts programs in the Erie area. This is especially true of their music program.

A recent survey shows that over fifty percent of General McLane High School students take elective music classes, and that forty-four percent of students participate in one of the school's fifteen music performing ensembles. The school currently has nine instrumental performing ensembles, six vocal performing ensembles, and an extensive music theater program.

General McLane has received numerous awards and recognition for their music programs in the past. The General McLane Marching Band, the largest of its kind in Northwestern Pennsylvania, has taken first place on eight separate occasions at the Open Class at the Lakeshore Marching Band Association Championship. Additionally, GM's jazz program has earned multiples accolades and their vocal students regularly compete in regional and state competitions.

With high school music education receiving cuts across the nation, it is important to recognize those schools that still continue to strive in the field. Receiving a semi-finalist nomination places General McLane among the best music schools in the nation, including many performing arts schools.

For more information about the General McLane School District, visit their website.

Chris Sexauer can be reached with any questions, comments, or concerns at csexauer@ErieReader.com.