NAHS Orchestra students did a cultural emersion trip to Chicago in March of 2019.  Students participated in a Clinic at Northwestern University, performed inside the Field Museum, and did a variety of sight-seeing activities.

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Classical 90.5 has featured several Hazelwood Middle School Orchestra students as part of their "Share Your Story" program.  Students entered their creative stories inspired by a classical music piece.  Winners got to tour the radio station, professionally record their story, and listen to it on public radio! 

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Rubin Sher started the string program in New Albany Floyd County Schools in the 1963 with a single class of 12 students.  The program now thrives with almost 1,000 students, 5 full time staff, and a multi-level youth symphony.   In 2015, we had a concert and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the NAHS orchestra room being renamed after Mr. Sher. Our concert included an alumni orchestra and speeches from former students.

Classical 90.5 has featured several Hazelwood Middle School Orchestra students as part of their "Share Your Story" program.  Students entered their creative stories inspired by a classical music piece.  Winners got to tour the radio station, professionally record their story, and listen to it on public radio! 

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In addition to an annual student talent show at NAHS, we have a teacher talent show which helps to raise scholarship money for NAHS graduates. Founded by French teacher Matt Jacobi, this fun event helps shine a new light on teachers and creates an opportunity to bring our staff and school community together in a unique way

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Fairmont Elementary is the New Albany Floyd County School districts ESL (English as a Second Language) magnet elementary school. Check out this 90.5 public radio shout out! Sara Soltau recorded students after presenting her unique interactive musical curriculum on "Ferdinand the Bull" which she piloted with my students at Hazelwood Middle School (several of whom are older siblings to these cuties!) 

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Chamber music is often only accessible to students who can afford sheet music, private lessons, and transportation.  In New Albany, we've been able to grow opportunities for chamber music for all by recruiting volunteer teachers, music donations, and generous grants.

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The NAHS orchestra program was featured in the local newspaper.  The article discusses our efforts to create new opportunities for students and describes the growth in size. 

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The Kentuckian Alliance of Musicians and Singers (KAMS) creates FREE musical opportunities for children and adults in our local area.  This video is a collaboration of the community orchestra with New Albany High School orchestra and choirs performing at the NAFC public library in December of 2021.

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The orchestra room at Hazelwood was named after Nancy Sher in 2018. Nancy had an invaluable impact on the orchestra program. I wrote the proposal and presented it to the school board.  After approval, we had a ribbon cutting ceremony and her son was able to fly in for the dedication concert.  

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The Floyd County Youth Symphony submits an audition video every two years to Walt Disney World.  Our directors program Disney music and arrange it for multiple ability levels so that all three levels or orchestra students can be included. Students have had the opportunity to perform at Disney Springs bi-annually for over 20 years.

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Classical 90.5 has featured several Hazelwood Middle School Orchestra students as part of their "Share Your Story" program.  Students entered their creative stories inspired by a classical music piece.  Winners got to tour the radio station, professionally record their story, and listen to it on public radio! 

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