Hicksville Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education

The Hicksville School District was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the best communities for music education in 2016.

The district is among 476 school districts across the United States that was recognized for offering a well-rounded education that gives students the opportunity to learn and practice music and the arts.

“Music makes me feel generous, like I want to give money to church,” said third-grader Hailey Muentes. “There are a lot of people around the world that don’t have a of things, and music makes me want to share.”

Many schools that receive this honor say it has a direct impact on funding for their music programs and it leads to more students becoming interested in music and the arts, according to the NAMM Foundation.

These 476 schools were selected out of 13,515 school districts in the nation for demonstrating an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

“Music is a dream you speak, play or sing out loud,” said fifth-grader Komal Dhillon.

“The receipt of this award is a validation of how dedicated and committed the Hicksville Public School’s Board of Education, administration, parents, teachers and students have been to the importance of music education within our school district,” said district supervisor of fine arts Philip Grusenmeyer.

This year, 74 Hicksville music students were selected to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association’s All-County Music ensembles, and an additional five students were selected to participate in the Long Island String Music Festival select ensembles and concerts.

“Music makes me feel inspired and happy,” said third-grader Kaydence Vosper. “It is like the stars in my sky.”

The district’s music curriculum emphasizes the development of aesthetic sensitivity, self-expression, teamwork and creativity through the examination and experience of this performing art. Listening skills, instrumental instruction, choral singing and performance are all part of a rich and varied music program. General music instruction begins in kindergarten. In third grade, students have the opportunity to begin studying a string instrument and participating in chorus. Starting in fourth grade, students may study a band instrument. A wide range of courses in music is available to secondary school students, including band, orchestra, chorus, piano, music theory and survey of fine arts.

“Music means a lot to me,” said third-grader Barbara Croce. “It expresses my emotions and feelings. When I’m upset, I sing. I love music.”

Extensive extracurricular activities at the secondary level support the music program, including string ensemble, jazz ensemble, marching band as well as the annual Broadway Musical play. One unit of study in the arts is required in order to earn a high school Regents Diploma; however, many district students go well beyond and participate in music ensembles and classes throughout their four years in high school. Through the district’s Arts in Education program, professional artists in the fields of art, music, drama and dance visit the schools throughout the district to work with students and help them to understand the nature of their art form. Regular annual performances include at least two school concerts each year for all musical ensembles, plus the annual district concerts for the band, orchestra and chorus programs. Broadway musicals are also produced annually at both the middle school and high school. Hicksville schools are also known for their outstanding marching band program, which has won awards at the state and regional levels for many years.

The full list of school districts that received this honor can be found here.

“We are moving from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children,” Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation said in a press release. “The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs.”

KU researcher and professor Christopher Johnson said access to music and the arts in schools allows students to explore their own personal expression and creativity more freely. “These activities also have been shown to contribute to lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, higher ACT scores, and all the while, children learn the joys of music and all the life skills it fosters,” he said.

Story by Syntax