District 70 Music Program Nabs National Award For First Time Ever

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Libertyville School District 70 has been honored for the first time with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students, according to a news release from District 70.

“Children involved in a quality music education program are on a journey of adventure as they learn skills to sing or play an instrument,” said District 70 orchestra teacher Carol Janossy. “They learn to appreciate something more than the conventional day-to-day. Through responsibility and commitment, they learn to transform their skills into music that they share with friends, family, and the community."

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, District 70 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.

“Music represents culture and community, it is a part of our life every day,” said Carla Bollinger, who leads the band program at Highland Middle School and leads the NAMM application work. “Music education has the power to bring a community together, enhance learning, and enrich our lives in ways too numerous to count. I am proud to work in a school district and community that supports the arts and the many wonderful benefits.”

Highland Middle School students have also noted the important of music education.

"Music education is important to me because it makes me a better, more well-rounded student and with the music program I have more social opportunities to make more friends," Julia Garrison, and eighth grade student for Highland Middle School said.

Research into music education shows children who study music see improvements in educational/cognitive and social skills.

After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers. Students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but also to attend college as well, according to the news release.

In addition, everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training.

“The Libertyville District 70 band, orchestra, and music teachers and students are definitely worthy of this recognition that recognizes their dedication, collaboration, and excellence,” said D70’s Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Erik Younman.

Music teachers in District 70 include Janossy, Bollinger, and Weppler, as well as Adler Park music teacher Julie Perez, Copeland Manor music teacher Sara Griffin, Rockland music teacher Jennifer Vente, Highland Middle School music teacher Erika Brown Thomas, band teacher Rob Swartzloff, and orchestra teacher Allison Zabelin.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances 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.