Bethel Public Schools Named a Best Community For Music Education In America

Bethel Public Schools will receive their award as a “Best Community for Music Education”  on Thursday, June 21st at 7pm at the Municipal Center.

The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing participation in music, named the Bethel Public School district one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America.” 

Bethel Music Center has provided support in the form of music and instruments for this program, which was one of only 176 districts in the entire country to be recognized for its commitment to music education. Districts were judged based on their music curriculum and program, as well as public support.

The Web-based survey used to evaluate each district included questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music program.

The announcement of the 2012 Best Communities for Music Education campaign comes during a crucial time as school districts nationwide finalize budgets.  The “Best Communities” designation is a distinction worthy of pride, but is also a call to action for local music education advocates to help preserve and potentially expand access to their current music education programs.

Past designees have reported that making the Best Communities list had a positive effect on their ability to advance recognition and support for music programs.  NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen encourages communities to use the designation as a cornerstone of vigorous advocacy for music education programs.

“We know that communities are struggling to maintain funding for many education programs and we applaud these communities that remain committed to a complete and quality education that must include music and the arts,” said Luehrsen.  “We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, to keep the music playing in their schools for years to come.”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

A copy of the survey can be downloaded for review at www.nammfoundation.org<http://www.nammfoundation.org>.