Fifth Grader’s Essay Chosen as MENC National Finalist

An essay written by Shruthi Vaidyaselvan ‘16 has been chosen as a national finalist in the National Association of Music’s (MENC) 2009 World’s Largest Concert Student Essay Contest.

As part of their general music instruction, and under the direction of music teacher, Mrs. Lilly Torrente, Lower School students in third, fourth and fifth grades were invited to participate in the MENC contest. Students were asked to write a 300 word essay around the theme, “Music! Just Imagine...” Nineteen Lower Schoolers rose to the challenge, writing essays about music and how it inspires imagination in all aspects of life. Of those submitted, three essays, by Sarah Casucci (third grade), Robert Johnson (fourth grade) and Shruthi Vaidyaselvan (fifth grade), were chosen to enter into the MENC national contest. According to Mrs. Torrente, it was very difficult to choose just three from all the excellent essays submitted. Ranney School was recently notified that Shruthi’s essay has been named a national finalist.

In congratulating Shruthi and all the students who participated in the contest, Patricia Marshall, Head of Lower School, said, “We are very proud of how well our students articulated their love of music and their imaginations. We are also grateful to Mrs. Torrente for sharing her passion for music across the curriculum, breaking the boundaries of music class and bringing music into the lives of our students through reading, writing, listening and performance!”

Top essay finalists may be asked to appear in the 2009 World’s Largest Concert DVD, which will be made available to schools during Music in Our Schools Month scheduled for March 2009. Shruthi’s essay will also appear in March’s MENC publication.

All 19 essays are currently on display in the Lower School Academic Complex in the exhibit areas, with the three chosen essays marked with ribbons. All participants will be presented with special certificates at the Lower School Thanksgiving assembly, to be held Tuesday, Nov. 25.

For additional information about the 2009 World’s Largest Concert Student Essay Contest and Shruthi's top 25 placement, go to
http://www.menc.org/news/view/press-release-music-just-imagine-contest-inspires-students.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.