Schools
Principal Wants Increased Student Interest in Music
The new head of the high school music program has conducting and marching experience — and in building interest in musical programs.
The high school principal was looking for marching and conducting experience when he dug through the roughly 50 applications for the school's new position.
Principal Layne Millington found that experience in the person of Scott Winship, formerly of North Attleboro High School and the US Marines Corps Marching Band.
"I have an excellent one," Millington said last week, when asked if he had hired a music teacher and band director.
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Winship has a master's degree from the University of Nebraska in conducting and music education.
He is also an experienced music program builder.
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He built a world drum program from scratch at North Attleboro.
Winship will have a chance to build the music program at Swampscott High.
He will start out as a .4-time teacher and receive stipends for directing the marching band and for directing responsibility at the middle school.
Ultimately, within the next year or two, the principal wants Winship to grow high school music teaching to a fulltime postion.
To that end he'll need to increase interest and participation.
Strong school music bodes well for academics.
Research shows a strong connection between high academic performance and achievement in the fine arts and music, the principal said.
Millington said he wants the high school to appeal to the varied interests of all kids.
It will be Winship's job to build excitement and participation around and through music.
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