Chelmsford Recognized Nationally for Music Education Efforts

Photo: Ms. Comeau directs the CHS Chamber Orchestra. Courtesy Chelmsford Public Schools

The NAMM Foundation has recognized the Chelmsford Public Schools for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. Chelmsford joins 388 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction in 2015. This is Chelmsford’s third consecutive year receiving NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education designation!

In its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum.

The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

“In the Chelmsford Music Department, the teachers witness on a daily basis just how much music positively impacts the cognitive and emotional development and well-being of our students,” said Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Christina Whittlesey. “Thank you to the Chelmsford families, community members, and administrators who continue to support students’ musical endeavors in our district!”

The announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of school’s core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.

The Best Communities for Music Education program plays an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to make music education part of the core curriculum assuring that the benefits of music making are available to every child. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, lower disciplinary action and keep kids in schools.

About NAMM Foundation:

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National

Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

For more information about the Chelmsford music programs, please contact Department Coordinator Christina Whittlesey at whittleseyc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us