USC named Best Community for Music Education-13643
April 22, 2022
USC named Best Community for Music Education
Now in its 23rd year, the 2022 Best Communities for Music Education program has recognized 738 school districts and 80 schools across 44 states for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.
“Music educators, administrators and communities truly rallied to support and sustain music education through a period of intense change and adaptation. These districts and schools persevered in serving their students and communities and assured that music education was part of curriculum offerings,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “We applaud the commitment and efforts of all music educators, school administrators and community members in providing students the opportunity to explore their creativity through music.”
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. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This year's awards program was designed to celebrate schools and districts adapting, innovating and persevering in the face of change.
"The 2022 Best Communities for Music Education is an opportunity to celebrate music programs and honors the resilience and dedication to keeping music as part of a well-rounded education as we all adapt to a new educational landscape," said Christopher Johnson of the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. “If there was one common theme, it’s that schools and districts found ways to sustain music education and student engagement in even the most challenging of circumstances.”
Other Allegheny County school districts named 2022 Best Communities for Music Education include the Avonworth, Baldwin-Whitehall, Bethel Park, Clairton City, East Allegheny, Moon Area, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, North Hills, Plum Borough, Shaler Area, West Allegheny and Woodland Hills 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.
