BCPS Music Education Program Named Among Nation’s Best

From BCPS: Strike up the band, and cue the chorus! It’s time to celebrate once again!

Baltimore County Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for the 12th consecutive year and 13th overall. BCPS is one of 4% of districts across the nation receiving the prestigious award in 2017.

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. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, BCPS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

“There are a lot of factors that make our music program so special,” said Dr. Brian K. Schneckenburger, BCPS supervisor of music and dance. “The most important contributing factor that I see is a pervasive, deep commitment to the program from all members of the community: school board members, the superintendent, the academics office, parents, teachers, and students. This commitment is one that celebrates the proud tradition of BCPS music ensembles as well as the importance of music in a child’s complete education.”

Baltimore County students can choose among extensive offerings including courses in music and audio technology, world music, and Advanced Placement music theory. Students perform throughout the community in choral groups, jazz ensembles, steel bands, orchestras, wind ensembles, concert bands, and marching bands. In addition, partnerships with some of the area’s leading arts organizations, such as the Hippodrome Theater and Young Audiences Arts for Learning of Maryland, Gordon Center for the Performing Arts, and Baltimore Lyric Opera provide opportunities to see and interact with professional performers. A partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra allows students to learn from and perform alongside professional musicians.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University, a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. Another study from Harvard University suggests that early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

Other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

A 2015 study, “Striking a Chord” supported by the NAMM Foundation, also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

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