The Catskill Chronicle

District Receives National Recognition for Seventh Time

MONTICELLO, NY (April 2, 2015) – The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has recognized the Monticello Central School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. Monticello joins 388 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious distinction in 2015.

Now in its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of schools’ core curriculum.

The BCME survey requires districts to answer 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 Center for Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

“We are extremely proud of our district’s commitment to musical excellence,” said Superintendent of Schools Tammy Mangus. “From our youngest musicians to our high school performers, these students demonstrate a strong work ethic, passion and the desire to learn and grow,” she added.

As Monticello Central School District finalizes its 2015–2016 budget, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of schools’ core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 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.