Upper Dublin is Musically Sound

Late last month, Upper Dublin was recognized as one of about 300 school districts across the country for its outstanding music education efforts.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) named the district one of the "Best Communities for Music Education for 2013." The Carlsbad, Calif.-based organization has been holding the “Best Communities” program for 14 years; more than 2,000 school districts applied for the distinction this year.

How did Upper Dublin get involved with the NAMM program? Well, to quote school board member Art Levinowitz at a recent meeting, “[Middle school band director] Sean Kennedy was very instrumental in us receiving this award.”

(Don’t worry — the quote drew groans from the crowd.)

Kennedy was instrumental in helping the district earn the distinction. In addition to being Sandy Run Middle School’s band director and jazz band director, he’s a professional musician, has published music books and has been a member of NAMM — which focuses on the business end of music — for years. 

To be considered for the program, “stakeholders,” which include faculty, administrators and parents, must complete a 30 to 45 minute survey, Kennedy said. The results are then sent to NAMM HQ.

From NAMM's website: 

The Best Communities designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education as an integral part of the core curriculum.

“The survey shows that we have a well-rounded program that’s supported financially and supported by the community … which has a vested interest in the program.”

Kennedy teaches a wide range of music — everything from jazz, to rock to classical. 

“The students are very open to new things, even if they don’t know it,” he said. “It could be odd to them, but they’re receptive to it, and a lot of the credit goes to the parents.” 

In fact, Kennedy said he was talking about his students to a friend of his who plays jazz flute professionally.

“And he said, ‘How old are these kids and they’re listening to what?’”

Kennedy also leads the school’s jazz band – which has about 40 members – and recently set up a series of master classes for his band students. 

See that story here.

“Music sticks with them forever,” he said. “How many tests do you remember in school in different subjects? I remember every band performance I’ve ever been in.

“Music teaches us about humanity,” Kennedy continued. “There’s tension and release and playing a piece of music is teamwork. There’s no bench in the band. Everyone’s involved.”