• April 4, 2019

    USC named among the Best Communities for Music Education

    Fort Couch Band Upper St. Clair School District has been named among the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for the fourth consecutive year. Upper St. Clair is one of only 14 school districts in Allegheny County, 92 in Pennsylvania and 624 from across the country to earn the distinction in 2019.

    “I offer my sincere congratulations to our students and entire music department staff for being named a Best Communities for Music Education for the fourth time,” Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said.  “Our music education program provides intrinsic benefits, values and life lessons for our students that are vital to the development of the whole child.”

    According to the NAMM Foundation, 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.

    In its 20th year, the BCME designation is an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to advocate for school-based music education. In addition to boosting academic achievement, studies have also 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.

    According to the NAMM Foundation, this award recognizes that Upper St. Clair School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children. 

    To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Upper St. Clair officials answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

    Other Allegheny County school districts named 2019 Best Communities for Music Education include: Avonworth, Baldwin-Whitehall, Chartiers Valley, Clairton City, East Allegheny, Fox Chapel Area, Moon Area, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, North Hills, Quaker Valley, Shaler Area and West Allegheny school districts.

    The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 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.