By Dale Jones
Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Trussville City Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Trussville City Schools joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Trussville City Schools 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 award recognizes that Trussville City Schools is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing—while leaving behind subject such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.
“We are very excited to receive this designation for our school district,” said Brandon Peters who serves as band director for Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. “This award recognizes the great work of many in Trussville City Schools from Kindergarten through high school.”
As Trussville City Schools finalizes its 2016-2017 budget, the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Award and the implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education for all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school Community music programs have been drawing increased attention because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading.
Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings.
A 2015 study, “Striking A Chord” supported by the NAMM Foundation, also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.
Schools who have previously received this special recognition by NAMM recognize that the honor increased local interest in their music program and also tend to generate more pride in the community. Often times, it helps financially and in an increase in the number of people who want to volunteer to assist the programs.
Peters said that the commitment to excellence in the Trussville School system is evident in the dedication expressed by the staff, and by the support they receive from administrators and the community.
“We are blessed with an incredible team of music educators who are extremely dedicated to providing a quality music education for our students. We are also fortunate to have great parent, administrative, and community support for our programs.”