Northbrook Music Program Earns National Recognition

NORTHBROOK, IL — The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognized Northbrook District 28 for its outstanding commitment to music education for the fifth time. This special recognition was bestowed to 19 Illinois school districts and 754 districts or schools nationwide, according to a news release from the school district.

“This recognition from the NAMM Foundation comes at a critical time for all of us,” D-28 Band Director Greg Scapillato said in a news release. “The strength of our community is being recognized. The support for music education in our community has meant that we have a bond that is not limited by social distancing, connecting us in a way that can sustain and support. Our students are more resilient, more caring, and more expressive as a result of the role music education has played for so long in our community.”

Music education is part of every D-28 student’s education starting in kindergarten. Kindergarten students perform for their parents, while students in first through fourth grade perform in the Winter Sings show. Fifth graders also participate in annual spring musicals and choral ensembles begin in sixth grade.

The Northbrook District 28's music program has four concert bands and five orchestras. Between bands, choirs, and orchestras, over 700 students are involved in D-28's performing ensembles.

“Music is an integral and indispensable part of our educational program - it’s good for our children’s brains, and it’s good for their souls,” D-28 Superintendent Dr. Larry Hewitt said in a release.