Monroe-Woodbury given ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ honors

CENTRAL VALLEY — The Monroe-Woodbury School District’s Music Department has been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the 13th annual survey conducted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

The foundation acknowledges schools and districts nationwide and their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum.

The 176 communities out of 237 that submitted surveys were recognized, including 166 school districts and 10 schools.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for the community, the administration, teachers and parents who believe in music education and are assuring that it is a part of a complete education for children in our schools,” said Nicole Regan, the district’s music coordinator.

The study of music, Regan added, helps give students critical and analytical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and teamwork skills they need to be successful in the 21st century workforce.

The announcement was made during NAMM’s” National Wanna Play Music Week” last month, which was a week-long promotion designed to encourage people of all ages and skill levels “to experience the proven benefits and fun of playing music,” according to a statement.

Past designees reported that being named to this list had a positive effect on their ability to advance recognition and support for music 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,” said NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen.

Regan described the district’s music program as “an artistically rich environment,” adding “from our kindergarten festivals to our high school honors groups, students are encouraged to perform their best.”

She added: “The music classroom provides a sense of both individuality and belonging and helps adolescents release or control emotions and cope with life’s more difficult situations.”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. Survey participants responded to 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.

Established in 1999, the 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,” according to a statement.

By Nancy Kriz