Batavia D101 Music Program Nationally Recognized For 9th Time

BATAVIA, IL — The music program at Batavia School District 101 has been nationally recognized for the ninth time since 2014, officials announced Monday.

After 2014, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation awarded the district with its Best Communities for Music Education designation every year since 2016. District 101 is one of only 25 districts in Illinois to receive the destination this year.

In its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is given to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students, officials said. Staff answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for programs in order to qualify. Responses were then verified with school officials and reviewed by the University of Kansas' Music Research Institute.

"This remarkable achievement is a continued reminder of how BPS101 values music and its impact on our students and our community," Superintendent Lisa Hichens said in a statement. "We have the perfect combination of students who love music, amazing instructors, and a community that values well-rounded students."

To Louise White Elementary School music teacher Walt Zimmer, staff's purpose and passion are two of the reasons why the district continues to receive the NAMM Foundation's designation.

"During my time in Batavia as a music teacher, I have witnessed students discover the joy of music and watched it bloom into a vital part of their being," he said. "We have music in Batavia because our connection to creating or consuming music defines our existence. This purpose and passion from staff, students, and community have made our District’s music program a nine-time recipient of the NAMM Foundation Best Communities In Music Education Award."