May 4, 2011
News Release
Henrico County Public Schools music program continues on high note
NAMM Foundation survey names HCPS a “Best Community For Music Education” in the United States for twelfth year
Henrico County Public Schools has once again been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation's twelfth annual "Best Communities for Music Education" survey. Henrico is the only school system in the country to hold this distinction for all 12 consecutive years. This year's roster represents schools and districts in 32 states.
HCPS boasts a growing music curriculum supported by 80 music staff. Nearly half of all secondary students are involved in some type of elective music program. Elementary students are required to take music education.
The survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education. Established in 1999, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum.
“We are thrilled that this distinction highlights the work of our teachers and administrators who support the arts in Henrico County,” said Rick Tinsley, music educational specialist. “Together we are able to provide unbelievable music opportunities to students of HCPS.”
Throughout the survey's 12 years, many districts have reported that making the "Best Communities" list has had a positive effect on their ability to preserve music for their students.
“Never has the evidence been more compelling: there is a direct correlation between music education and success in other areas of a student’s life,” says Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation, which sponsors the program. It is therefore crucial to continue funding music and arts education.”
Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured across a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria. Furthermore, the results were measured proportionally, so that communities of different sizes were compared equally.
Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.
Contact: Mychael Dickerson, Executive Director for Communications and Community Outreach, 652-3724 or dmdickerson@henrico.k12.va.us.
