HYDE PARK- The Hyde Park Central School District has earned a place on the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation’s list of the Best Communities for Music Education for the eighth year running. This designation, now in its 25th year, is awarded to districts demonstrating outstanding achievement toward providing music access and education to all students.
In order to qualify, the district answered detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation and support for school and community music-making programs, to name a few. These responses were verified by school officials and then reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Melinda DiMaio, director of fine and performing arts, credits the work of district music staff and their commitment to students, as well as family involvement and the support from district staff, administration and local businesses and institutions, as the reason why Hyde Park continues to garner this distinction.
“Receiving NAMM’s designation as a Best Community for Music Education is an affirmation of our community’s demonstrated belief that music education is an essential part of our students’ music education,” DiMaio said. “This is an award for our entire community.”
Music education offers numerous benefits to students such as listening skills, conflict resolution and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
“Music education supports students’ cognitive development, creativity and promotes their social emotional learning,” DiMaio concluded.
