The Baldwin County School District has been selected as a 2022 Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants for the seventh year in a row.
"The 2022 Best Communities for Music Education is an opportunity to celebrate music programs and honors the resilience and dedication to keeping music as part of a well-rounded education as we all adapt to a new educational landscape," says Christopher Johnson of the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. “If there was one common theme to be taken from all submissions, it’s that schools and districts found ways to sustain music education and student engagement in even the most challenging of circumstances.”
The Baldwin County School District is one of only nine districts in the state of Georgia to earn the distinction and one of only 738 total districts in the entire country.
“The Fine Arts are critical to providing the most comprehensive education possible for our students. We have made substantial investments in our Fine Arts program at all grade levels in the district, and we see those investments pay off with distinctions like this,” said Superintendent Dr. Noris Price.
“It’s because of the hard work of our teachers, students and administrators in our schools, as well as the strong support we have had from our school board, that we have received this honor. Our fine arts program does more than expose students to the arts. It provides them outlets to express their creativity while also opening doors to continue their education in college through fine arts scholarships,” added Dr. Price
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Research demonstrates the educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who participate in music education. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University, a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improve how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.
“Music educators, administrators, and communities truly rallied to support and sustain music education through a period of intense change and adaptation. These districts and schools persevered in serving their students and communities and assured that music education was part of curriculum offerings,” shares Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. “We applaud the commitment and efforts of all music educators, school administrators, and community members in providing students the opportunity to explore their creativity through music.”
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances 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.