Strike up the band, rosin those bows and get ready to sing our praises. Virginia Beach City Public Schools was recently named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America” by the NAMM Foundation. Developed in partnership with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas, the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation takes into consideration funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction in music education programs across the United States. This year, VBCPS was among 307 school divisions nationally to earn the distinction.
According to NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen, the “Best Communities for Music Education” program shines a spotlight on the school divisions that embrace the belief that music education produces positive outcomes in schools and communities.
“There is overwhelming research tying music education to higher overall student success in school and in life,” Luehrsen said. “This designation recognizes communities for their commitment to music education and strengthens support for these programs.”