Lubbock ISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Lubbock ISD is one of four percent of districts across the nation receiving the prestigious award in 2017.
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, Lubbock ISD 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 distinction from NAMM,” said Dr. Christopher Anderson, Lubbock ISD Executive Director of Fine Arts. “It’s a testament to the great work our teachers do every day to deliver great music instruction. It also demonstrates the strong support given to our students by our Board of Trustees and superintendent. Lubbock ISD is committed to educating the whole child, and it’s clearly a great choice for families who want to have access to all types of fine arts.”
This award recognizes that Lubbock ISD is leading the way with music learning as an important element of a well-rounded education.
As Lubbock ISD finalizes its 2017-2018 budget, The NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Award and the state level implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of curriculum offerings and available to all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school and the personal benefits of making music.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.
(News release from Lubbock ISD)