Tuesday, April 22, 2003
© 2003 Republican-American By Joyce Peck
TORRINGTON — While Carl Bozenski's Christmas Village may draw thousands to the area and the University of Connecticut maintains a branch on University Drive, Torrington has another claim to fame these days — its public school music program.
As proof positive of this fact, the city has been named one of the 100 Best Communities in Music Education in America. This is the fourth consecutive year Torrington has made this list, compiled by the American Music Conference. With communities in 30 states represented, Torrington is the only community in the state to make the list this year.
The list is derived from an Internet survey, enlisting the help of thousands of music educators, school board members, parents and community leaders. It is conducted by the American Music Conference, based in California, in conjunction with a number of music education organizations.
The city's commitment to music education is found at all levels. At Torrington High School, students can take two innovative music technology courses and another in beginning guitar. Its string orchestra performed during the 2000 Olympics in Australia, and students can earn college credit through an Advance Placement music theory course.
Third-graders can learn to play the recorder, and an all-city orchestra allows students from the system's five elementary schools to perform together.
"We're very delighted that for the fourth year Torrington is one of the best 100 communities for music education in America. We're the only one on the latest list. We're really thrilled about that," said Charles Beyer, director of the arts for Torrington public schools.
The school system provides basic music education for students in pre-kindergarten
through grade 8. At the high school level music is an elective, but at least one music course is required for graduation, Beyer said.
Beyer himself has been named outstanding arts coordinator in the state by the Connecticut Music Educators Association.
"The list, which represents an annual snapshot of music education at its best, stands in relief against a backdrop of widespread education budget cuts that threaten these and other music programs across the country," said Debra DiMaio, a spokeswoman for the music conference.
"This education system is dear to me," said Mayor Owen Quinn, who presented the music department with a certificate of appreciation from the city. "It's gratifying to have grown up in this blue-collar community with so many immigrant families and to see their sons and daughters excelling in the arts."
"This is a great feather for this community," said A. Bates Lyons, vice chairman of the school board.
The survey was conducted by, among others, the American Music Conference, National Association for Music Education, Music Teachers National Association, National School Boards Association, Yamaha Corp. of America, and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.