Milford music education cited as among nation’s best
MILFORD — Amy Perras, the instructional supervisor for music in the Milford schools, said she was thrilled, but not surprised, to learn that Milford had been named one of the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education by international NAMM Foundation.
The group, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that is part of the National Association of Music Merchants, advocates for lifelong participation in music.
“This recognition confirms what I’ve known all along,” Perras said. “We have an inspirational and talented staff, an engaged and vibrant student community and supportive parents and community members. This award would not have been possible without this incredible show of commitment and support.”
The foundation states that it recognizes and celebrates school district and schools for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to assure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. The award is based on support and opportunity for music education in the schools and community, and music facilities and standards, plus a detailed survey.
Milford was one of about a dozen communities in Connecticut to earn the honor.
Joseph Soto, a senior at Jonathan Law High School, said he has seen the effort and passion that the city puts into its school music program.
“There is not enough credit given to our music teachers and the struggles they go through to make a program for us,” he said. “I believe this award was earned and well deserved by the music faculty.”
He said his music teachers have inspired him and have helped him grow as a musician.
“From my first music teacher, Mr.
Kalafus, to my most current teachers, Ms. Jones and Mr. Pelaggi, I have been pushed and challenged to learn all I know in music while enjoying my time,” he said.
After he graduates in June, Soto said he will be attending Marymount Manhattan College to study musical theater.
Fellow senior Isabel Blanco, of Foran High School, said she owed her love of music to the teachers she has had at the school. A member of the school choir and advanced vocal ensemble, she also plays piano and studies music technology and music theory and has performed with the school drama club.
“The music department has given me opportunities like singing around the state, composing my own music, seeing Broadway shows, competing in (music) competitions and becoming choir president,” she said.
Kathy Bonetti, the school system’s communications director, said the district offers general music, music technology, voice/chorus, instrumental and orchestra/strings programs to all students, from pre-kindergarten through high school. She also cited community support through such events as the Jay Rowe Smooth Jazz for Scholars event, the collaborations with the Milford Arts Council and the community piano on the Milford Green.
Page Miglio, MAC executive director, said the schools have an involved, experienced and talented staff, led by Superintendent Anna Cutaia. One of the ways the MAC partners with the schools is through a visual art exhibit. Students from all grades participate in the exhibition and can win cash awards, she said.
“We are proud of the school system and look forward to continued partnerships with the Milford Arts Council and the public schools,” she said.
Cutaia also praised the staff, saying they and the students are “the highest caliber.”
“Winning this recognition as a community is well earned,” she said.