For two consecutive years, Wayne Highlands School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Wayne Highlands 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

Congratulations to Wayne Highlands School District and the other 583 school districts that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education.The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized with this national award, showcasing our music education program in our schools.” said Gregory Frigoletto, Superintendent of Schools.“

This award recognizes that Wayne Highlands School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

“As a school district with generations of tradition, success, and community, the language of music and performing arts is common to all generations and nations; it is understood by everybody, since it is understood with the heart.” said Scott D. Miller, Performing Arts Director. “Our music education teachers and directors Betty Ann Robson and Martha Curtis in Honesdale High School; Eugene Hopkins and Rembert Meszler in Wayne Highlands Middle School; Alyse Srebro in Lakeside Elementary; Alicia Moyer in Stourbridge Primary Center; Chris Gallo in Damascus School; and Erin Canedy in Preston School go above and beyond day-in and day-out to give our students the greatest gift of all! The gift of music!”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.