NAMM Foundation: Irvine among ‘Best Communities for Music Education’

IUSD is one of 174 school districts nationwide to demonstrate “an unwavering commitment to providing music education for their students,” according to the NAMM Foundation, which today announced the results of its 11th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey. The web-based survey, which was open to all districts from Jan. 17 through March 12, was developed and administered by the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

School systems responded to detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. “The responses were verified with district officials, and advisory organizations reviewed the data,” according to the foundation. “This year’s survey data reaffirms the power of community support and commitment for music education as critical elements in quality schools,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the foundation. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music by supporting scientific research, philanthropy and public service programs from the international music products industry. Today’s announcement was made during NAMM’s “National Wanna Play Music Week,” designed to encourage individuals of all ages and skill levels to experience the proven benefits of playing music. To read the NAMM Foundation’s news release, which includes a list of the winning school districts, click here. To access a story in the Orange County Register, click here.