Shenandoah Valley, North Schuylkill recognized as among best communities for music education
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Shenandoah Valley Marching Band performs during the Gratz Fair.
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS – Two local schools are once again being recognized as among the best communities for music education.
The NAMM Foundation designated Shenandoah Valley and North Schuylkill as such for their outstanding commitment to music education.
It is the 7th year in a row for North Schuylkill and the 6th for Shenandoah Valley.
“It is an honor to have received this recognition from NAMM again for the seventh year in a row,” said Jacob Shoener, North Schuylkill High School Director of Bands. “This award is testament to the tireless work of our Music Department (faculty and students), as well as the constant support of our Board of Education, Administration, Booster Organizations, and Community.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, The North Schuylkill School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but also to attend college as well.
About Author
