MSA named a ‘Grammy Signature School’

Congratulations to our Music Department!
Recognizing it for its excellence in music education, the Grammy Foundation has named the Marin School of the Arts a 2011 Grammy Signature School.
Along with the designation comes an award and a $2,500 grant, which will be used to purchase new instruments for the music department.
“This is an incredible honor,” said Mark Peabody, MSA director and teacher.
In order to be considered, music programs must apply, complete detailed descriptions of their programs, and provide performance recordings of their ensembles recorded within the last year. MSA was honored for its “excellent performance ensembles and high quality instruction”.
Novato High Principal Rey Mayoral credits the success of the music program “to the high level of instruction provided by incredible teachers -- Mark Peabody, Rebecca d’Alessio and Jenny Bent; the supportive, involved parents, and a school district that believes in the importance of arts education.”
Jan Derby, outgoing Novato schools superintendent, called winning the award “a tribute to the power of Novato Unified School District’s dedicated educators who find a way to improve the quality of public school education despite the challenges schools face.”
MSA is one of 36 Grammy Signature Schools nationwide this year. Of those, 27 economically underserved schools received Enterprise Awards of $5,500 each. Pioneer High School of Ann Arbor, Mich., received the top $15,000 National Grammy Signature School award and six other Gold recipients received $5,500 each. Davis High School in Davis, Calif., also received a $2,500 Grammy Signature School award.
The Grammy Signature Schools program is made possible in part through the support of Best Buy, Campbell’s Labels for Education program, the Ford Motor Company Fund, Gibson Foundation and the Hot Topic Foundation.
For a complete list of winners or for more information on the Grammy Signature Schools program, visit www.grammyintheschools.com.