Greenwich Public Schools was recently named a 2021 Best Communities for Music Education District by the NAMM Foundation.
The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded 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.
GPS Coordinator for Music and Arts Laura Newell said in a release from the district, “I’m very proud of our District and its music community for being recognized for this prestigious distinction.”
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our educators to bring music instruction and experiences to our students during an exceptionally challenging year,” she added. “Our teachers used their creativity to bring both safe and fun musical lessons to students across all of our schools. In addition, I would like to thank the Board of Education and the Greenwich community for their support of the Arts programming in light of the pandemic. They continue to preserve the belief of supporting the advancement of the whole child and reinforce the special qualities that music and art bring to our children.”
GPS was one of 636 schools across the United States that was honored with this distinction.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, GPS 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.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.