York Community High School was recently named one of 125 GRAMMY Signature Schools Semifinalists nationwide by the GRAMMY Foundation, according to YCHS Music Department Chairman Bill Riddle.

Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year.

"The GRAMMY Signature Schools program sustains excellence in music education by granting awards to public high school music programs in communities across the country," said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation.

"Each of these semifinalist schools should be commended for their commitment to keeping the arts in their curriculum for the long term benefits of their students."

In mid-March 2012, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce the finalists for the GRAMMY Signature Schools program. These schools will receive a custom award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program. The top schools are designated Gold recipients. The best of the Gold recipients is named the National GRAMMY Signature School.