North Hills School District has been honored as one of the
nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the noted NAMM Foundation for
the fifth year in a row. North Hills School District is one of 12 districts in
Allegheny County to be awarded the program’s highest designation this year. Only
623 school districts across the country were recognized with the honor.The Best Communities for Music Education designation is
awarded to school districts that demonstrate exceptional efforts toward
maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum. Designations
are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to music
education and set the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music
education.
“It is an honor to be one of the 623 districts nationwide to
be selected, and this recognition is a testament to the incredible educators
and talented students who instruct and learn in North Hills School District’s valued
music education program,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills School
District’s superintendent.
At North Hills School District, eight out of every 10
students has taken part in a music class or related activity during the 2018-19
school year. A total of 13 different classes are taught at North Hills High
School, and students can enroll in 11 music class options at North Hills Middle
School. All elementary students take part in a general music class and more
than 600 fourth, fifth and sixth-graders play instruments in the elementary
band or orchestra or sing in the children’s choir.
A Northwestern University study found that students involved
in music programs saw higher success in academic areas such as reading. According
to a recent Gallup Pool, 94 percent of Americans consider music to be part of a
well-rounded education.
Established in 1999, the Best Communities for Music
Education from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation honors school
districts and school buildings that have demonstrated exceptional efforts
toward maintaining music education programs as part of the schools’ core
curriculum and exemplify commitment and support for music education.
To be considered for the designation, district educators 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. Responses are verified with school
officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public
Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.