Middletown Public Schools Receives Music Education Award

MIDDLETOWN – Middletown Public Schools Music Education Program has received National Recognition.

Middletown Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

“Music education is not only about teaching students how to create, sing, and play an instrument. It’s about nurturing their creativity, building their confidence, and providing them with a valuable outlet for self-expression, Marco Gaylord said, executive director of operations. “MPS believes that the fine and performing arts are essential for the holistic development of all our students and play a vital role in preparing them for a successful future.”

“Music education is important to me because life should be filled with happiness, and music does that for me.” Darien Lohr said, a seventh grader at Beman Middle School.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Middletown Public Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Receiving this honorable distinction will increase program visibility at the local, state, and national level,” Farah Scala said, music department head. “Not only will it help us to keep every Middletown student singing, playing, and experiencing music, but it will also serve as recognition of all the hard work and practice put forth by our students, teachers, and administrators.”