North Hills Choir & Drama
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NORTH HILLS CHOIR & DRAMA

This site provides information and updates for students, parents,
​and friends of the choral ensembles and dramatic productions
in the North Hills School District.

NHHS Music Program Earns Program of Distinction Credential

11/16/2015

 
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North Hills High School’s music department has been named a Program of Distinction by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools, one of the nation’s top education accrediting organizations.

The North Hills music department is one of only six music programs in the nation to be honored with this notable accolade. Programs of Distinction are viewed as model programs worthy of emulation by academic programs around the world.

The distinction recognizes schools and school systems that foster within students a deep appreciation for music as an expressive, creative art form and where music education is recognized as an essential component of the social and cultural fiber of society and the school.

“North Hills takes great pride in the academic rigor and opportunities offered to our students,” said North Hills High School Principal Beth Williams. “We have a thriving and rigorous music curriculum with a long tradition of excellence and are pleased our program is recognized as a Middle States Program of Distinction.”

In the high school, students are offered the opportunity to participate in four concert bands, a jazz band, an orchestra, two choirs and an advanced guitar ensemble, which all rehearse daily. Extracurricular ensembles include the marching band, Jazz II, symphonic orchestra, rock orchestra, pit orchestra, high school musical, madrigal choir and the North Hills Singers. Several levels of music theory and technology courses are offered including Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory. High school music courses are taught by Chris Ballentine, Shaun Cloonan, Heidi Kohne, Len Lavelle and Chris Rodack.

As part of Programs of Distinction process, an outside peer reviewer observed every aspect of the high school’s music program and instruction for multiple days. Students and community members were interviewed about the qualities of the program, and the music program’s depth, breath and achievement were examined. The high school was found to have a deep commitment to music education and a belief that music study is essential and integral to every child’s education.


For more on the North Hills School District music department, 
click here.

About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS):

The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, MSA-CESS has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 MSA-CESS accredited schools in the United States and nearly 100 countries, the organization is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of the 21st century and improve educational opportunities for all children.

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North Hills Choral Music & Drama Programs | North Hills High School | 53 Rochester Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15229 | 412.318.1000
  • Home
    • About >
      • Music Department
      • Choral Program
      • Drama Program
      • Instrumental Music Site
      • Music Dept on NHSD Site
      • Social Media
  • CHOIR
    • High School Choirs >
      • Welcome Back Choir
      • Symphonic Choir
      • Chorale
      • North Hills Singers
      • PMEA Festivals
      • Madrigal Choir
      • Cabaret Night
    • Middle School Choirs >
      • 6th Grade Chorus
      • 7th Grade Chorus
      • 8th Grade Chorus
      • Concert Choir
    • Children's Choir >
      • Children's Choir Registration
  • DRAMA
    • High School Drama Club >
      • 2024 One Act Plays
      • 2025: Alice by Heart
      • International Thespian Society
      • Past Events >
        • 2024: Putnam
        • 2023 One Act Plays
        • 2023 Spring Musical
        • 2022 Fall One Act Plays
        • 2022: Once Upon a Mattress
        • 2021: Fall One Act Plays
    • Middle School Drama Club >
      • 2025: Seussical Jr
      • MS Workshop
      • Past Musicals >
        • 2024: SpongeBob
        • 2023 Winter Musical
        • 2022 Winter Musical
    • Elementary Drama Camp
  • PARENTS
    • Choral Parents >
      • NHCPA LinkTree
      • Announcements
    • Drama Parents
  • CALENDARS
    • HS Choir Calendar
    • HS Drama Calendar
    • MS Drama Calendar
  • Forms