The Ballard High School Performing Arts program has just been given a national award.
The school has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation along with 97 other schools nationwide. However, it’s the only school in Washington to receive the recognition.
The award is given to programs that, “demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students,” according to BHS. To qualify, the music department at BHS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music and theatre programs. School officials and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas verified the responses.
“Participation in music prepares students for a successful trajectory outside the confines of the classroom walls,” Elizabeth Fortune, BHS orchestra director said in a statement from BHS. “They not only hone the technical skills of playing an instrument or singing; but they also practice daily the dispositions of critical thinking, creative thinking, growth mindset, collaboration, and communication: the things one needs for successful adulting.”
File photo of BHS orchestra
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/My-Ballard-ad-1.png")
I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement when they stopped letting Magnolia kids sit first chair.