Harrison Named a Top Music Community

Harrison is one of only 176 communities to receive recognition from the NAMM Foundation as a top area for music education, a tribute to the successful and growing music program offered within the school district, officials say.

The foundation considered factors like time students spend in music class, the number of programs offered, number of participating students and number of certified teachers leading music classes. Community outreach, which has become a cornerstone of Harrison's marching band and music program, was also an important consideration.

The applied for the designation for the first time this year. In total, 237 districts or schools applied.

"We're very proud," said Mary Ellis, director of fine and performing arts at Harrison. "We're extremely proud of the program, we're extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students."

The survey evaluated the music program in grades K-12 and was designed and implemented by the The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, based in Lawrence, KS.

Along with being a growing program, Ellis said the foundation recognized Harrison's variety of classes and options for students of all experience and ability levels.

"One of the phrases we use at the high school is 'everybody makes our team'," Ellis said. "If you are interested and willing to put in the work you are welcomed with open arms."

The outreach of Harrison's marching band, which performs both locally and at parades and events all over the country, also helped Harrison's cause. The band has in recent years.

Ellis said the award recognizes not only the instruction that takes place in Harrison, but the support within the community as a whole. The Harrison Board of Education and administration have also helped advance the program over the years, she added.

"There are districts that don't have music rooms, there are districts that don't have theatres, that don't have performance spaces," she said. "We have the facilities to support high quality instruction in the arts, we have the staff to support high quality instruction in the arts."

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports music creation nationwide.