Henrico schools honored again for music programs

The halls are alive with the sound of music in Henrico County's schools.

For the 10th consecutive year, the school system has been named one of the best communities for music education by the nonprofit NAMM Foundation, which rates schools on funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other factors.

This year, 124 school systems in the country received the designation.

Henrico is the only school system in the country to hold this distinction for 10 years, and it reflects the county's emphasis on music, said Rick Tinsley, educational specialist for music.

"The teachers here are committed to students loving music for the rest of their lives," Tinsley said.

One of those teachers, Varina High School band director Justin Ratcliff, is completing his first year with the system.

The Blue Devils have been named a Virginia Honor Band - meaning that their marching and concert bands earned superior ratings from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association - for the first time in 13 years.

"If it wasn't for the support of my administration and the county, I would not be able to have done what I did this year," Ratcliff said.

Ratcliff, who commutes daily to Varina from his Fairfax County home, says he's dedicated to getting students the resources they need.

"Some of my best friends are band directors [in different districts], and they're so jealous," he said. "Henrico County gives each school the same things to be successful."

Each Henrico school receives $10,000 per year for instrument purchase. But as the number of students enrolled in band classes will double next year, Ratcliff is searching for ways to keep them competitive.

"My thing now is fundraising. We have about $50,000 to $100,000 in needs.

"You have to convince the kids it's not about money and it's not about equipment. It's about how much work you put in."

At a time when other school districts are cutting back on arts funding, Henrico is holding steady, Tinsley said.

"We honor the arts and understand what they can do," he said. "And this award validates our commitment to arts here in Henrico."

Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or .