Brockport Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, 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.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Brockport Music Department Chair Shawn Halquist 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, the Brockport Music Department has demonstrated that honor by going above and beyond for its students, adapting lessons and rehearsals for both in-person and remote learners. “This year’s award is particularly pleasing because of the situation,” says Halquist. “Our students have been incredibly flexible and giving, the administration beyond supportive, our parents helpful in every way possible, and our already stellar faculty has found ways to give the kids what they need and deserve. Music is alive and well here; certainly different, but alive and well. Our communities should be quite proud of the continued musical successes BCSD demonstrates.”
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive, and social skill benefits for children who make music. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
Brockport Schools highlighted music programs throughout the district during the month of March to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month. Video segments can be found on the district website at https://bcs1.org/news/what_s_new/b_c_s_d_celebrates_music_in_our_schools.
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