Strongsville Among 'Best Communities for Music Education'

Strongsville has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.

The 13thannual Best Communities for Music Education survey acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum.

In all, 176 communities out of 237 that submitted surveys were recognized, including 166 school districts and 10 schools. 

Several other northeast Ohio school districts, including Berea, Olmsted Falls, Avon Lake, Beachwood and Stow, made the list.

"It is an honor to be one of the 166 districts nationwide to be selected, and is a testament to all the great support we receive from all of you as district employees, and from the community," Chris Chidsey, a vocal/instrumental music teacher at the high school and Kinsner Elementary, wrote in an email to all school district employees. 

Established in 1999, The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities that provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education. 

The award also seeks to call attention to music programs to keep them from being cut as districts wrestle with tight budgets.

“We know that communities are struggling to maintain funding for many education programs and we applaud these communities that remain committed to a complete and quality education that must include music and the arts,” NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen said in a news release. “We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, keep the music playing in their schools for years to come.”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey's grading process. Participants in the survey answered 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. 

A copy of the survey can be downloaded at www.nammfoundation.org.