The Monticello Central School District (MCSD) has once again been honored as a “Best Community for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, marking MCSD’s 15th consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, MCSD’s Performing Arts educators 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 leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
“The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes school districts that value a robust and complete music education program from grades K-12,” MCSD Performing Arts Department Chair Andrew Verdino said. “It is a reflection on our community’s investment in a program that develops life-long skills in music, responsibility, long term goal setting, and teamwork.”
This 15-year milestone serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of MCSD’s educators, administrators, students, and community members in promoting and sustaining high-quality music education.
“We are grateful not only to our performing arts students and staff members, but also to our community and Board of Education members,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans said. “Their support enables our district to provide students with a rich variety of musical opportunities. Music education plays a critical role in the academic and personal development of our students, and we are honored to be recognized once again with this distinction.”
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.