School News

M.J.H.S. advances in Grammy contest

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The Grammy Foundation recognized Memorial Junior High School for the quality of its music program on Nov. 11. The school has a shot at being a finalist in March.

The school was one of 15 Grammy Signature School semifinalists on Long Island and 119 nationwide this year. The foundation created the program to recognize top public high schools that are keeping music programs alive and well despite budgets and school politics, according to the organization’s website. Memorial was selected for its ninth-grade initiatives.

Schools were required to submit applications describing their programs and student achievements to be considered for a Grammy award, which also comes with several different cash prizes, the highest of which is $10,000. Music teacher Victoria Alaimo and other staff members from her department applied.

Memorial offers band, chorus and orchestra as its major ensembles. Students also participate in elective programs outside of ensemble, which include electronic music and guitar instruction. The school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society organizes community service events that incorporate music and the arts. Tri-M members must maintain a high level of academic achievement, perform in the community and volunteer at various school arts events. 

Memorial ninth-graders also participate in the honors ensembles — wind, jazz band, strings and men’s and women’s choirs — and continue to win regional Music in the Parks competitions, which are festivals organized by music educators all over the country, each year.