Help Preserve Local Arts Programs by Being Recognized as a ‘Best Community for Music Education’

Carlsbad, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB) March 02, 2011

As school districts nationwide fight to maintain their arts education funding, the NAMM Foundation reminds school districts and communities to help preserve – or even grow – their music programs by participating in the 2011 Best Communities for Music Education Survey (BCME). The survey is part of NAMM’s ongoing effort to recognize schools across the United States that support music education and provide opportunities for children and young people to learn and grow with music.

Going strong in its 12th year, the Best Communities for Music Education Survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education. Established in 1998, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support and commitment to music education.

The 2011 survey will remain open through Friday, March 11, 2011 and can be completed at http://www.nammfoundation.org. Each school district or school is allowed to fill out one survey, which must be completed by a school administrator and/or teacher who has access to school and district demographic and budgetary information. A copy of the survey can be downloaded for review at http://www.nammfoundation.org/research/best-communities-music-education-united-states.

The announcement of the BCME final roster will be made on May 4, 2011, during NAMM’s National Wanna Play Music Week, a national celebration of music education and music making.

“This recognition honors – and nurtures – the remarkable accomplishments of educators, students, schools and communities that are committed to quality music education programs,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation. “Historically, communities that have received the mark of excellence embodied by the Best Communities for Music Education designation have enjoyed increased support for their music programs.”

Participants in the survey answer detailed questions about enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses are verified with district officials and program advisors.

As in the previous years, the 2011 survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

In conducting the annual survey, the NAMM Foundation is joined by advisory organizations in the fields of music and education: Americans for the Arts, League of American Orchestras, The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Music for All, Music Teachers National Association, National Guild For Community Arts Education, Yamaha Corporation of America, Young Audiences, National PTA and VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

Contact:    

Lisa Cesarano    

Giles Communications             

(914) 798-7134            

lcesarano(at)giles(dot)com

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