Troy School District Named One of Best in Music Education

The has been selected as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum.

“We are thrilled to receive this designation because it recognizes the fabulous music programs available to students in the Troy School District,“ TSD Community and Media Relations Director Kerry Birmingham said. “We are proud to have a professional and knowledgeable staff that regularly inspires, encourages and instructs our students in every aspect of music education.”  

Established in 1999, The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education. The BCME survey is designed and implemented in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin) of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

The announcement of the 2012 Best Communities for Music Education campaign comes during a crucial time as school districts nationwide finalize budgets. The Best Community 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.

“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,” NAMM Executive Director Mary Luehrsen said. “We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, 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.

The preceding information was submitted by Kerry Birmingham/Troy School District.