Shenandoah, North Schuylkill bands designated as Best Communities for Music Education again
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Shenandoah Valley Marching Band performs during the Gratz Fair.
SHENANDOAH – For the fourth and fifth year respectively, the Shenandoah Valley and North Schuylkill school districts have been recognized as Best Communities for Music Education.
The two districts were among 975 districts in the nation to receive the accolade from the NAMM Foundation.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the districts 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.
“Receiving this award again for the fifth year in a row is a tremendous honor for our district and its stellar music program. It is a testament of the unwavering dedication of our music department faculty, and our incredible students.” said Jacob Shoener, North Schuylkill High School Director of Bands.
Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs. During the pandemic, music and arts programs were a vital component to keeping students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.
About Author
