Hoboken School District Music Programs Win Award

HOBOKEN, NJ — A national foundation has announced this past week that the Hoboken School District has won a Best Communities for Music Education designation "for its outstanding commitment to music education."

The designation by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students, said the group. The group has been giving out the award for 21 years.

The nonprofit foundation is supported by approximately 10,400 members of the NAMM around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.

To qualify, the Hoboken Public School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for music programs.

Responses were verified and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Music education is critical to the fabric of the Hoboken Public School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Christine Johnson. “Receiving this designation validates the passion and dedication shown by our music staff and student musicians.”

This award recognizes that the Hoboken Public School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music.

ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

“Music education teaches life lessons and brings joy to everyone,” said Coordinator David Stasiak. “We continue to expand our bands, choral and orchestra programs and are seeing great success.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.

After two years of music education, research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores that their less-involved peers. Students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well, according to a release from the NAMM.

Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children that in those without music training, said the release.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

The Hoboken public schools are currently on Spring Break and will resume distance learning on Monday, April 20.

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