News from the Ossining school district on music education recognition:
For the Third consecutive year, and the fourth time since 2008, the NAMM Foundation has recognized the Ossining Union Free School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education designation. Ossining joins 307 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction this year.
In its 14th year, Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum. The BCME survey requires districts to answer 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 Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
“Ossining continues to be a strong advocate for music and the arts as core academic subjects,” said Bradley Morrison, Ossining’s Director of Cultural Arts. “Research shows that the arts help develop the skill set and mindset that young people need in today’s economy. We’re honored that the NAMM foundation continues to recognize and highlight our efforts in this area.”
As the Ossining Schools finalize their 2013–2014 budget, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of school’s core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.
The BCME designation is an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to advocate for school-based music education. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost other academic and social skills, such as math and learning to cooperate in a group. The NAMM-funded Cost of Music Education study found that a comprehensive K–12 music education program cost an average of $187 per student per year in the sample district.
