East Meadow is a 'Best Community for Music Education'

The East Meadow music program was named among the Best Communities for Music Education for the eighth time. At right, East Meadow High School ninth graders prepared for a winter concert last December.

East Meadow School District

The East Meadow School District was named among the Best Communities for Music Education in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants — for the eighth times in 12 years.

East Meadow was one of 388 districts recognized by the foundation, which aims to promote active participation in music by supporting research, philanthropy and public service programs.

Kati Behr, the district’s director for music and art, said the recognition is a testament to the hard work of the school’s music educators. “We strive to provide our students with a high quality arts education,” said Behr, who took over the district’s music and arts program in January, following the retirement of Abby Behr. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as one of NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education.”

East Meadow also received the “Best Community” distinction from NAMM in 2003, ’04, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’13 and ’14.

In its 16th year, NAMM singles out the “outstanding efforts” made by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders in districts who make music education accessible to all students.

The foundation evaluated districts based on funding, staff, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction.