Celebrating Music Education in the Time of COVID: The NAMM Foundation Recognizes 754 School Districts and 148 Individual Schools in 21st Annual Best Communities for Music Education Recognition

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- While schools across the nation remain closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, the joyous sounds of music continue to ring out as districts and schools celebrate their recognition as "Best Communities for Music Education." Now in its 21^st year and presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) program has recognized 754 school districts across 42 states and 148 schools for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.

"Even in this time of uncertainty, the Best Community districts and SupportMusic schools show what can be done when teachers, school and community leaders, and parents all agree that music is essential and not optional as a learning force that must be available to all students," affirmed Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. "More so now than ever and as evident by the creative music learning by both teachers and students that continues from home and online, music education plays a crucial role in students' social and emotional connections to each other and the community."

In cooperation with researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly-qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. The application period begins in October, with districts and schools announced in the following spring. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen many schools continue their commitment to music education, albeit virtually.

In New Jersey, Livingston Public Schools, a four-time BCME recipient is one school continuing its commitment to music education. The district, which serves students K-12 with choir, band, and orchestra programs, shared that the number of students enrolled in ensembles increases annually, and engagement is critical. "Being named a Best Community for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation celebrates our district's commitment to music education, and the dedication of Livingston's music teachers, administrators, students, parents, Board of Education, and community members to a comprehensive K-12 music program for all students," said Mara Rubin, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. "And now, music is even more important for our students and community during these uncertain times in which we are living because music helps to keep communities together. We are reminded that music creates a sense of belonging and participation, enhancing our community connections, and building our community's spirit."

In Southern California, San Marcos School District is a three-time BCME recipient. Music Teacher Matt Armstrong shared that both teachers and administrators jumped into action to navigate the state-mandated closure and to keep students involved in music-making. For elementary students, music educators launched "Start with the Arts" day on Mondays. "We wanted to focus on family engagement and enjoyment through the arts keeping our elementary students involved with as much as we can." 

Across the district, middle school and high school twice-weekly classes let students continue to rehearsing and learning while keeping in touch with friends. One music teacher developed a district-wide practice challenge, where students could submit their videos, allowing them to see other students play from across all grade levels—another organized masterclasses for the district. One teacher creates entirely produced daily updated videos, and the elementary team collaborated to launch a virtual choir of the song, "What the World Needs Now," in tribute to healthcare professionals. Armstrong says that of the thousands of music students across the district, approximately 95% of students tune in for music classes. "Students are hungry for music. We can't make music together right now, but allowing them to continue to enjoy the music-making process is powerful, and it wouldn't be possible without the support of our administrators, teachers, community, and students." 

In addition to the 754 districts receiving Best Communities for Music Education recognition, 148 individual schools across the nation are being awarded the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), which recognizes support for school-based music education programs.

At Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston, Massachusetts, a two-time SMMA winner, the school staff knew that arts programming would be important to cohesion and continued student success. Arts Coordinator Christopher Schroeder said that, "In the first week of the closure, our music staff quickly mobilized and launched an online website to adapt our daily music programming. Our students have access to the following online opportunities: virtual music lessons led by 28 teaching artists; daily morning music huddles to keep our students socially connected; music worksheets to strengthen students' music literacy and theory; remote instrument support with tuning and instrument care support, and a curated list of music tech apps that are free or low-cost to most families."

Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education. 

Even in the face of statewide school closures, many districts continue to affirm music education and its benefits for students, schools, and communities. In 2018, Music Matters, the condensed guide from the Arts Education Partnership and co-sponsored by the Country Music Foundation and The NAMM Foundation, was released. The report offered vital findings, including music students do better in English, math, and science than their peers without music, and more music and art equals fewer dropouts and a reduced number of suspensions. 

Over the past 21 years, the number of school districts gaining BCME recognition has grown, from fewer than 100 in 1999 to more than 700 today. BCME designation has helped raise local awareness of quality music programs from coast to coast and has assisted communities in securing funds for music programs threatened by budget cuts.

A complete list of districts and schools receiving Best Community and SupportMusic designations from The NAMM Foundation can be found at BCME and SMMA.

About NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,400 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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NAMM Foundation
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SOURCE NAMM Foundation