The music program at Scotts Valley High School has made some big strides in recent years, despite chronic funding issues, and the recording industry took notice.
On April 19, the Grammy Foundation recognized the school as one of 36 Grammy Signature Schools.
“It brings a lot of attention to our music program and to our school,” said Beth Hollenbeck, music director. “Despite (the music program) always being on the chopping block, it’s here and it’s growing.”
During the Scotts Valley Middle School and High School Spring Concert on May 17, Ned Hearn, intellectual property lawyer and Scotts Valley resident, arrived at the high school on behalf of the Grammy Foundation with an oversized check for $5,500, as well as a custom Grammy statue award.
According to Hearn, more than 1,000 schools applied for the award. Scotts Valley was chosen, he said, because “this school has already shown what it can do to support itself.”
Hearn said the decisions for the award are based not only on need, but also on a school’s creativity and a demonstrated commitment to keeping music classes available to students.
The money will be used to bolster the high school’s music program, said Scotts Valley Unified School District Superintendent Susan Silver, by adding several computer workstations to help students with compositions in conjunction with the school’s recording studio.
Silver said improving the music programs offered at Scotts Valley schools in spite of budgetary constraints had been one of her goals since joining the district.
“We’re trying to hold onto these programs, despite being underfunded,” Silver said. “(Without the community support), we almost can’t afford an athletics program.”
