Bedford Schools Among Best for Music Education

Bedford Central schools join 307 districts across the country this year in being recognized for their efforts in music education by the NAMM Foundation.

The nonprofit group—which supports research and giving and participation in music—designates "Best Communities for Music Education" through detailed surveys.

The responses require details on funding, staffing, commitment to standards, and access to music instructionwhich are verified with school officials. They're reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Over 2,000 programs submitted responses this year, making Brewster a stand-out among other school communities nationwide.

The BCME program helps NAMM advocate for music education, officials said in a statement. "As school districts across the United States finalize 2013-2014 budgets, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designees focuses attention on the importance of keeping music education part of school’s core education," said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM's executive director. "Past designees report that receiving a BCME designation significantly improved their ability to preserve their schools’ music education programs."

Click here for a full list of schools recognized for music education.

The recognition comes as the district—faced with financial challenges—hears protests from the community and from students over cuts to music, including "rotationals," which are supplemental classes with small groups that having learning for separate instruments.