Districts Honored for Music Programs

The Huntington and South Huntington school districts have both been recognized as among the "best communities for music education" in the country, a prestigious designation for school programs.

The NAMM Foundation, which gave the awards, is a non-profit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music.

The honor is conferred on districts where comprehensive music education is a key part of the core curriculum.The two local districts were among 307 around the country to be honored, out of about 2,000 schools that were surveyed.

 “The Best Communities for Music Education Award is a wonderful honor, to be shared by our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students, as well as our supportive community of parents, administrators and board of education members,” said Joan R. Fretz, Huntington's district director of fine and performing arts. “Huntington has maintained its arts programs despite difficult budget times and our music and art departments are grateful for the opportunity to work in a community that recognizes the value of arts education.”

Now in its 14th year, the Best Communities in Music Education award program requires each school and district to detail funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Responses are reviewed by researchers at The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas (an affiliate of the University of Kansas) and the NAMM Foundation to calculate the designated districts and awarded schools.

 “There is overwhelming research tying music education to higher overall student success in school and in life,” NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen said. “This designation recognizes communities for their commitment to music education and strengthens support for these programs. Having widely embraced the evidence indicating that music education yields great things in schools and communities, people are increasingly affirmative, advocating for school music curricula, and championing programs like Best Communities that recognize this commitment to music education.”

Huntington school superintendent James W. Polansky spoke about the award at Monday's school board meeting.

“This award reaffirms something we already know, but it is still a proud moment to have our music students and staff honored on the national stage,” Polansky said. “Congratulations to Mrs. Fretz, and to all of our K-12 music staff and students. Each individual involved has added his or her contribution to an outstanding performing arts program in Huntington.”

South Huntington was equally pleased by the recognition. 

"We are very excited to be ranked as one of the best communities in America for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation,” said Dr. Dave Bennardo, South Huntington superintendent of schools. “This award speaks volumes about the talent of our students and teachers as well as the importance that our parents and school district place upon music education."  

Vincent D’Ulisse, South Huntington's director for art, dance, music, and adult education, said, "We are very fortunate in that we receive tremendous support for the arts in South Huntington, and are extremely proud of our music students and their outstanding teachers.  Substantial data gives credit to music education as playing a positive role in a young student’s life... To make the “Best Communities,” a community is committed to access and high standards for music education in all areas."