OSWEGO COUNTY – The NAMM Foundation and University of Kansas have recognized 15 Central New York school districts that maintained their commitment to music education during the pandemic, including Oswego County’s own Mexico Academy and Central School District and Phoenix Central School District.
“Music education changed perhaps more than any other school subject when learning went virtual” is how the nationally-heard NPR program 1A began a broadcast last month. During the pandemic, maintaining a sense of “community” in New York music programs has been challenging, yet dedicated and creative music teachers, staff administrators and students, supported by a wider community, have succeeded in reinventing music instruction.
Newark among Best Communities for Music Education
COURTESY OF BRENDA SCHOOL
The National Association of Music Merchants designated Newark Central School District as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the U.S. for the ninth year in a row.
Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation goes to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify, NCSD answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.