BY JENN ROWELL

The music program at Freedom Middle School has a new honor to add to their collection.

Freedom has been designated a Blue Ribbon Music School by the Virginia Music Educators Association.

The music program at the school includes a chorus, band and orchestra track.

At competitions in March, the most advanced groups in each of the tracks received a superior rating. When each track receives a superior rating, the school is eligible to apply for Blue Ribbon status.

Last year, two of the three groups received a superior rating and this year the students worked even harder, band director Chris Hoovler said.

"We told the kids this is our year," Hoovler said. "To have all three is really special."

Each of the music students will get a blue ribbon and the school will receive a letter, Hoovler said.

"It really is just about recognition," he said.

Freedom is the first middle school in Spotsylvania County to be named a Blue Ribbon school, Hoovler said. Courtland High School was also designated as a Blue Ribbon school this year.

Jenn Rowell: 540/374-5418
Email: jrowell@freelancestar.com