By Matt Pitts, Principal, Surfside Middle School
Surfside is one of the few middle schools in northwest Florida that still carries a full band, jazz band and chorus program that features musical theater. SMS has received national recognition for their support of music in the schools by The NAMM Foundation. Surfside was one of only 80 schools in the nation to receive the NAMM Support Music Merit Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement in the effort to provide music access to all students and was recognized by the U.S. senate for this achievement. This award falls in line with the state of Florida’s recognition of Surfside’s music program as well. We have received the Secondary Music Enrollment Award 5 times. This award is earned by having at least 50% of the student population enrolled in a music program.
The band, as well as chorus programs, receive straight superiors during state judication every year. Our jazz band has just received a superior for the fifth straight year and has been recognized by the Florida Bandmasters Association for this. Surfside is the only jazz band north of Orlando that has received this recognition. The musical theater program performs full scale musicals once or twice a year and have received rave reviews for their performances. While the program’s success speaks for itself, the fact that they have no real area that is adequately equipped to help showcase these programs is a huge stumbling block and that is where the St. Joe Company steps in. Surfside was awarded a $50,000 grant to help refurbish an outdated stage and sound area where these programs can be showcased. There are many activities that take place on any given school day that would not happen without the help and assistance of our community partners. While many states and schools are cutting back on music programs because of funding, we make ours a top priority and will continue to focus on this for our students. Music is truly musical math and is one of true expressions of self for these students. It is something that they will be able to carry with them the rest of their lives. Thanks to St. Joe and other community sponsors, SMS students are getting to live out their dreams in the Arts at Surfside Middle School.
