For the third year in a row, Hartford Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement to provide music access and education to all students.
NAMM selected this year's recipients based on a series of criteria including music class participation, graduation requirements, instruction time, and support for music and music-making programs. This year, NAMM honored 975 school districts nationwide for their commitment and support of music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. The award celebrates the HPS teachers, administrators, families, and partners who ensure our students receive high-quality music education.
"Hartford Public Schools is proud to provide well-rounded educational opportunities for every child, which includes music education, and an unwavering commitment to creating learning environments where all students can tap into their individual talents and feel a sense of belonging," said Tracy Avicolli, HPS Director of Arts and Wellness.
"It brings me great joy to see our students participating in orchestra, concert band, modern rock band, drumlines, and more," said Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez. "We will continue to invest in music education so our students can express their creativity, expand their artistry, and receive the many benefits of a robust musical education. "
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. In addition, everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than those without music training.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and its 15,000 global member companies and individual professionals worldwide. Our mission is to advance 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 nammfoundation.org.
