The Ligon Magnet Middle School Band has received aa national honor.
On Monday, band members learned they had been honored with the Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence by the National Band Association (NBA). The honor is one of the highest honors from the NBA and recognizes school band programs that demonstrate exemplary achievement and commitment to music education.
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Applicants for the award are evaluated by a panel of music education experts. The award is based on criteria including the honors earned by students over four years, detailed performance scores and participation data.
Ligon Magnet will be honored with other division winners at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic on Dec. 19 in Chicago, where the National Blue Ribbon winners will also be announced.
Ligon Magnet Middle School is directed by Renee Todd, who has been working with students for more than 30 years. Todd has grown the program to include over 200 members with three wind bands and two jazz ensembles, all consistently earning superior ratings.
The achievement aligns with Wake County Public School's "Arts Strategic Plan," fostering creativity, discipline and achievement.
"We're really proud of the kids and the hard work that they've done, as a band director and just makes me see all of their work and the community's work to support them," Todd said.
Todd credits the students and alumni families in the community, “Because we couldn’t do it without the support,” she said.