WISD named a Best Community for Music Education for second time

Photo courtesy NAMM Foundation.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has recognized Waxahachie ISD for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation.

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.

"Ensuring that every child has access to music in schools requires commitment by students, teachers, and those who determine school budgets," said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation.

"We commend the districts and schools that have earned the Best Community designation this year. They join with so many that believe as we do that there is a vital link between do-rei-me and the ABCs."

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 value our students' participation and successes in fine arts," Dr. Jeremy Glenn, Superintendent of WISD, stated. "Our staff, administration, and board have a firm commitment to these programs."

Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this school year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading.

Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings.

A complete list of districts and schools receiving Best Community and SupportMusic designations from the NAMM Foundation in 2015 can be found here.