Scarsdale Named One Of The Best Communities For Music Education

Some good news for all the aspiring pianists, singers and future Broadway stars in Scarsdale.

The recently received top honors as one of the best communities for music education from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

On April 17, the foundation announced the results of the 13th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey. Scarsdale was one of the 176 communities recognized.

The NAMM survey "acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support for music education in schools," according to a statement.

In Scarsdale, the students and staff are excited for this honor.

"We are ecstatic!" said Dr. Craig P. Sherman, Coordinator of Music and Performing Arts for Scarsdale Public Schools. "This is quite an honor, and it is indicative of the priority and emphasis the district and community places on the arts as part of its initiatives and priorities for its students."

"This designation confirms that we are serving our students well and that it is recognized not only locally but beyond," Sherman said.

The following is the program description the district submitted to the foundation:

"Scarsdale offers its students throughout K-12 an array of experiences that is unique. The music education program is vast and eclectic. As early as kindergarten, our students are exploring movement, music, and seeing the arts through a collaboration with the Lincoln Center Institute. Our students work with trained teachers alongside Lincoln Center Artists, and see culminating performances on site in confirmation of their learning.    

In third grade, every student experiences instrumental music with the band and orchestra specialists in their school. The full ensemble program in band, orchestra and chorus begins for every child in grade four.  

In addition to all three performing ensemble opportunities, our Middle School program offers an Exploring Music program that has units including world drumming, guitar and keyboard skills. Technology is an integrated component that includes composition, arranging, analysis, and presentations involving film, music, visual, and history.  

The HS has a collection of electives that meets the needs of all students, those who are performers and those who are not. Each genre offers multiple large and small ensembles. Some other courses are multiple levels of music theory including AT, jazz improvisation, jazz history, computer music, music appreciation, a piano class, multiple levels of acting, and more.   

Involving students in the arts is more important than ever. Educational research dictates that students that study the creative arts are more successful in all areas of academics. Our district initiatives include fostering and encouraging Critical and Creative thinking, and a strong performing and visual arts program throughout the school system is an integral part of that priority."