Manheim Township School District’s Music Education Program
Receives National Recognition for 2nd Consecutive Year
(April 16, 2021). – LANCASTER, PA. – Manheim Township School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation, for the second consecutive year, from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement and exceptionally high commitment in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
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. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, MTSD 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 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation celebrated and recognized 686 school districts in 40 states as among the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME). Despite schools moving online or to in-person settings where masks were required not only for student musicians but often for instruments, K-12 music teachers have found creative solutions to make music come alive. The schools and districts recognized by The NAMM Foundation this week, dedicated and creative music teachers supported by a wider community, have succeeded in reinventing music instruction. In so doing, they have brightened the lives of thousands of students.
In past years, a BCME designation has helped raise local awareness of quality music programs from coast to coast. Earning the designation has assisted communities in securing funds for music programs threatened by budget cuts and acts as a source of community pride. News of past winners being recognized nationally often leads to local media coverage and additional community recognition.
About The NAMM Foundation
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.