Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Rosa joins only 118 schools across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.
The SupportMusic Merit Award is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Schools that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Rosa answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This award recognizes that Rosa International Middle School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act, which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing — while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.
Of the 820 students enrolled at Rosa International Middle School, over 500 are involved in the music program in chorus, band and orchestra. All 820 students also receive music instruction as part of their exploratory cycles. This instruction includes learning both piano and guitar, as well as music composition. Sue Mark (instrumental music), Scott Graser (vocal music) and Jack Murtha (classroom music) have a shared vision of music being offered to every child and providing the most opportunities possible for students to explore their musical interests.
