Music education program receives national recognition

EAST MARLBOROUGH » Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District answered 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 Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious designation from the NAMM Foundation,” stated Dr. John Sanville, Superintendent. “Our teachers are some of the best and have created programs at each of our schools and at every level that provide exceptional musical opportunities to learn and perform. Our students have earned several musical accolades for their talents and student involvement in our music programs overall has never been greater! This can only be attributed to our passionate teachers and their work to provide a meaningful and quality music program at UCFSD.”

Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a stated emphasis on a wellrounded education, many school districts have recommitted to music and arts education programs. During the pandemic, music and arts programs were a vital component to keeping students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for wellrounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.

Madeleine Day, a junior involved in the music program at Unionville High School shared, “To me, music education is incredibly important because it exposes students to music early on so that they can develop a well rounded education. Students in our district are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively and build their self esteem through something they are passionate about. At a young age in elementary school we were exposed to numerous instruments and singing styles. This helped my appreciation and love for music grow. I am eternally grateful for our district’s music department and it has truly changed my life.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill bene

SUBMITTED PHOTO Unionville’s music education program has received national recognition.