Release Date: 6/14/2006 Contact: Jamie Tucker, 410-887-4024
Diana Spencer, 410-887-4243

Three Dulaney High students named among nation's top 100 high school musicians

TOWSON, MD. (June 14, 2006) - The National Association for Music Education (MENC) has selected three Dulaney High School students among its 100 All-USA High School Musicians. Those recognized students are oboe players Brittany K. and Emily D. and clarinet player Mike H.. Brittany graduated from Dulaney last month. Emily and Mike just finished their sophomore year.

According to the National Association for Music Education, the All-USA High School Musicians initiative was created to recognize the top 100 high school-age musicians from across the nation for their commitment to excellence in music, academics, and society. Students nominated by their directors and teachers submit nomination forms for the first level of judging, during which they are evaluated based on their academic achievement, musical training, experience, and activities. Those proceeding to the semi-finalist level submit recorded auditions to be judged by members of Washington, D.C.-based Army Bands, who select the finalists. All-USA is open to high school-age student musicians who are in their sophomore, junior, or senior years at the time of nomination, enrolled in their school music program, maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and are students in good standing at their academic institution.

Finalists receive scholarships from Hershey Foods Corporation and All-USA High School Musicians medallions, and they are featured in a national publication and on the National Association for Music Education's web site.

"I am so proud of the accomplishments of these three students," says Baltimore County Public Schools Music Coordinator Jamie Tucker. "To be selected as a top 100 musician in the United States is truly an honor. These students from Dulaney have exhibited true excellence in their academic and musical accomplishments. We have gotten to know them through our Honor ensemble events, our Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Side By Side concerts, and our Solo and Ensemble festivals. Brittany, Emily, and Michael are to be congratulated on this wonderful achievement."

According to instrumental music teacher Barry D. Chesky, Dulaney has a strong music program with students frequently earning positions in countywide and statewide honors bands and orchestras.

"I am privileged," Chesky says, "to have three of my students named All-USA High School Musicians. It demonstrates their dedication to music as well as academics and community service. By participating in music, students develop a strong sense of discipline and positive work ethic which can be applied to academics, work…almost anything in life."

In March, Baltimore County Public Schools was named one of the "Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America" for 2006. The designation was made by the American Music Conference, the nonprofit affiliate of NAMM, the international music products association that supports the benefits of music, music education and music making. The county school system also received this honor in 2004.

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