orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Norwin School District Ranks Among Best for Music Education
For the seventh consecutive year, Norwin School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education. This award, sponsored by the NAMM Foundation, recognizes the Norwin community for the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders to promote music education as a part of a well-rounded education.
“ I am incredibly proud to congratulate the Norwin School District Music Department on being named one of the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education for the 7th consecutive year,” said Dr. Natalie McCracken, Superintendent.“ Music education nurtures creativity, builds confidence, strengthens collaboration, and supports academic achievement. It provides students with an outlet for expression, a sense of belonging, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
“ We are proud to once again be recognized by the NAMM Foundation for the Norwin community’ s continued dedication to excellence in music education,” said Mr. Brandon Kandrack, Music Department Curriculum Leader.“ This recognition celebrates not only our exceptional students and the passionate, skilled educators who guide them, but also the unwavering support of our administration, school board, and community. Together, these key partners have built and sustained a thriving environment where outstanding music learning and performance can flourish now and for generations to come.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Norwin School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational / cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. For more information about the benefits of music education, please visit the NAMM Foundation’ s webpage at www. nammfoundation. org / WHY- MUSIC-MATTERS.
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Norwin Musicians Shine in Washington, DC
The Norwin High School Orchestra and Bel Canto Treble Choir collaborated for an amazing musical tour in March 2025. Earlier in the month the musicians hosted a send-off concert for the community before traveling to Washington, DC. In addition to other sightseeing and performances while the students were in Washington, DC, the musicians performed at the Jefferson Memorial for a large crowd on the peak day of the beloved cherry blossom season.
Norwin Show Choir Earns Top Honors
The Norwin Show Choir participated in the Music in the Parks Competition in Charlotte, NC in April 2025. The Show Choir received the First Place Show Choir Award, Overall High School Choir Award, and the Esprit de Corps Award( sportsmanship award). The Show Choir would like to thank our amazing community for their support not only with performance but also with the service projects throughout this academic year.
Hillcrest Students Perform at PNC Park
Congratulations to the Hillcrest Students who performed at PNC Park on Tuesday, April 29. For the second time this year, a group of sixth-grade students were selected to perform“ The National Anthem”, under the direction of Mrs. Herrington, but this time it was for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Earlier this year a group was selected to perform‘ O Canada’ and“ The National Anthem” at PPG Paints Arena for a Pittsburgh Penguins game.