Merrick districts named Best Communities for Music Education

The Merrick and North Merrick elementary school districts are among 117 districts across New York state that were each named as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association for Music Merchants recently.

Most states have but a handful of districts that make the list. New York had the most, according to the NAMM. Of the nation’s 13,588 school districts, the NAMM Foundation designated 388 this year as Best Communities for Music Education

Now in its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education recognizes “outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum.” Designations are made to districts that demonstrate “an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.”

A new body of evidence, released at the start of the school year by brain researchers at Northwestern University, shows that participation in music education programs helps to close the opportunity gap, improves brain function and sparks language development, according to the NAMM.

“The new research validates the relationships between student success and access to music education,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “Ensuring that every child has access to music in schools requires commitment by students, teachers and those who determine school budgets. We commend the districts and schools that have earned the Best Community designation this year. They join with so many that believe, as we do, that there is a vital link between do-re-mi and the ABCs.”

The BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Researchers at the Center for Public Partnerships & Research at the University of Kansas led the selection.