110 Best Communities for Music Education

Pictured above: (l-r) Board President Michael Bonafede, Jessica Dawalt, Wayne Burlison, Karen Vanderlaan, Gary Simboli, Carrie Kozody, Greg Martillotta, Linda Logan, Michael Thaine, and Tom Mark.

The A.C.S. Music Department received special recognition by the Board of Education at their May Board Meeting. Board President Michael Bonafede congratulated individually each member of the Music Department for their special contribution to the District’s Music Program. The Albion Central School Music Department was named as one of the “Best 110 Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation. The NAMM Foundation and its’ music education advocacy efforts work to ensure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage lifelong participation in music making. Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community members in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured proportionally, so that communities of different sizes were compared equally.

NAMM Foundation Executive Director, Mary Luehrsen said, “We commend these school districts for their commitment to assuring that music is a part of a complete education for children.” Research has revealed strong correlations between quality music education in school and academic achievement. Students actively involved with music programs develop skills such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and team work.