Port's Musical Education Program Receives National Recognition

Port Washington, N.Y. (April 2019)—In recognition of its outstanding commitment to music education, the Port Washington Union Free School District was recently honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation with the NAMM 2019 Best Communities for Music Education Award in the United States. This is the fifth consecutive year the Port Washington UFSD has been designated with this prestigious award.

“The district is honored to receive this accolade from the NAMM Foundation for the fifth consecutive year which once again puts a spotlight on the power of music in our community,” said Port Washington Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Mooney. “The depth of our music education program and the musical talent within the district is second to none. This recognition is a well-earned tribute to the dedication, diligence and passion of our students, staff and community.”

Throughout each school year, the district’s music department presents an array of opportunities for student musicians at the elementary, middle and high school level to showcase their talent, in addition to providing daily music education. Port’s student musicians are featured throughout the school year at district concerts, competitions and plays.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Districts that qualify for the accolade are required to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 9,000 members around the world. The foundation’s mission is to advance active participation in music making.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for this prestigious honor for the fifth consecutive year. It speaks to the quality of our educators, the diversity of our music program offerings, and the tremendous support from the Port Washington community,” said Kevin Scully, Director of Creative Arts. “We are extremely thankful for the Port community’s love of the arts, which creates wonderful opportunities for our students.”

For more information about the Port Washington Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.portnet.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page: @PortWashSchools.