Smiths Station High School’s “Rock On” initiative struck a chord well beyond the rehearsal hall this winter, earning the band program national acclaim as a 2026 recipient of Music for All’s prestigious Advocacy in Action Award in the Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention category.
The honor recognizes the band’s creative push to widen access to pop-and-rock music education and has become a point of pride for students, families, and educators alike.
“Having my daughter participate in Pop Band has been such an amazing opportunity,” said Beth Parkman, mother of student Libby Parkman. “As a dual-sport athlete, she hadn’t spent much time in music or band classes during her high school years. Being part of this class has opened her musical horizons and taught her so much, but what has impressed me most is the growth in her confidence as both a player and a singer. She was once shy; now she feels like she truly belongs on stage.” She added, “She is so blessed to have access to this level of instruction during the school day. It has been an unmatched experience for her, and we are incredibly thankful that Pop Band is part of her high school journey.”…