A regular school day quickly turned extraordinary during second period for Diamond Bar High School Wind Ensemble students when band director Steve Acciani announced that they were named the 2014 National Grammy Signature School.

Out of 123 semi-finalists, DBHS was given the esteemed title and awarded $6,000 for its outstanding music program. In total, 12 schools were selected as Signature Schools: seven accomplishing great feats despite economic difficulties were given the Enterprise Award, two were named as Gold Signature Schools and two others as Signature Schools.

“The Grammy signature school supposedly best personifies the ideals of the Grammy Foundation in terms of a broad based music education well supported by the community and of the highest quality in the nation,” Acciani stated.

The application process was extensive, and multiple recordings of the school’s band, choir, orchestra, chamber groups, soloists, and even rock band were sent in for assessment.

This is DBHS’ second time as a Signature School, but first as a National. Acciani  attributes this step-up to individual excellence and good fundamentals.

“The groups here have always been very good, but there is such a depth of talent this year. And with the connections we made with these great professional musicians, we have had a higher degree of professionalism from each student,” Acciani shared.

Marie Sato is the director of the youngest and middle level orchestras, and plays a large role in developing the skills of younger musicians.

“My job is to make sure that they are getting good foundations so that I can then send them to [Mr. Acciani]. Every group is playing a higher level of music. The quality of music has gone up so the kids are rising to that expectation and playing at a higher level, ” Sato stated.

Although DBHS was announced as the Grammy winner, it has yet to receive the award. The Grammy award will be presented to the music program on a future date.