The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has announced the results of its 21st annual “Best Communities for Music Education” (BCME) survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support of music education in schools.
This is the twelfth consecutive year, fifteenth time overall, that West Genesee has been recognized for this honor.
This year, 2,096 West Genesee students, grades 3-12, chose to participate in one of the bands, choruses, orchestras. This represents 58.1% of our district is enrolled in just the performing ensembles. The total district wide enrollment in music classes and performing groups is 3,045. We are thrilled that it represents 66.2% of the entire school district population. Our middle school band, orchestra, choral and 6th grade general music programs have robust enrollments of 665 unduplicated students representing 64.8% of our entire middle level enrollment. In West Genesee High School, 353 non-duplicated students are enrolled in our performing ensembles. That represents 22.2% of our entire high school population that choose to learn and perform with us. Even as our total district enrollment declines, our music enrollment numbers remain constant from past years in every area!
Additional extracurricular opportunities exist in jazz bands, band and string elementary honor groups, small ensembles, musical productions, community group performance opportunities, and our State and National champion “Wildcat” Marching Band.
Now in its 21st year, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. The NAMM Foundation evaluates participants on these factors. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and greater access to music education.
The complete list and a additional information can be read at the NAMM Foundation web site located below:
https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/bcme-2020-districts
Thank you to the following music teachers responsible for this impressive program: Anthony Alvaro, Tracy Berner, Katie Bernius, Gregory Borsz, Leah Causer, Tracy Cheney, Marcia DeMartini, Kevin Dimmel, Deanna Fitzpatrick, Martha Grener, Christy Knowlton, Erin McConnell, William Mercer, Margret Mercer, Kyle Muldoon, Andrew Perry, Andrea Scerbo, Donald Schuessler, Rosemarie Speich, Michael Stachnik, and Katie Ta.
Director of Fine Arts Bill Davern noted, “I am so very proud of our West Genesee students and teachers being recognized for this honor. The documented proof that music education improves student performance in every area at every age is undeniable! This competitive award is proof positive that outstanding instruction, in concert with positive administrative, community, and Board of Education support, produces recognized quality at a national level for all of our children. We continue to push the envelope of excellence!”