Students sit with Dr. John C. Wickwire music teacher Andrea Crouse and Principal Misty Nauss after learning the school has won a Music Education Excellence Award. In front, from left, are Brent Raddall, Kelsey Everett, and James Wilcox, In the middle row, from left, are Hana Hicks Redden and Ryan Walker. In the back, from left, are Andrea Crouse and Misty Nauss. Leanne Delong Photo
School and teacher earn excellence awards
By Leanne Delong
THE ADVANCE
NovaNewsNow.com
Being a “strong believer” in music education, Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy’s music teacher, Andrea Crouse applied for the Kodaly Society of Canada’s Music Education Excellence Award last spring.
The school met the Canadian Coalition for Music Education criteria.
A 2006-07 Music Education Excellence certificate was given to Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy and Crouse.
“I think it’s amazing that Andrea has been recognized for all the hard work she puts into the music program,” said principal Misty Nauss.
The Kodaly Society of Canada is a non-profit organization named after Hungarian musician and educator, Zoltan Kodaly.
Crouse is also a member of the KSO.
Schools across Canada continue to lose their music programs due to cuts, said Crouse.
The South Queens Junior High School does not have a program, which “hurts us so badly,” she explained.
A music course did, however, start up this September at Liverpool Regional High School.
Music is important, stated Crouse, adding, “Our kids here are fabulous.”
Studies have proven music helps children develop better reasoning and become better thinkers, she explained.
With over 430 students, from Grades 2-6, Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy takes part each year in Christmas concerts and music festivals.
Students learn how to play recorders in Grade 4 and Grade 5.
Grade 6 students learn how to play the ukulele.
Along with the Music Education Excellence Award, the school received gift certificates from music industry sponsors.
by Leanne Delong/The Advance 
