In recognition of its outstanding commitment to music education, the Comsewogue School District was recently honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation with the NAMM 2023 Best Communities for Music Education Award. The honor comes as a result of the outstanding efforts of Comsewogue teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders to ensure access to music learning for all students as part of the school curriculum. This year’s honor was also designed to celebrate school districts with music departments that go above and beyond to provide music access and education to all students.
“This designation is a testament to the dedication, talent and passion of our music educators who work diligently to engage students in music education from the elementary school to the high school level. This honor also demonstrates the commitment and talents of our students who devote their time and energy to perfecting their craft,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Quinn.
The Comsewogue School District’s music department reached new heights and provided students with new opportunities this year. This past March, the Comsewogue High School Marching Band made its debut performance in the 262nd New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where students marched alongside the Emerald Society of Suffolk County as its official marching band.
In addition to providing daily music education on the elementary, middle and high school level, the district’s music department provides frequent opportunities for students to perform in concerts, recitals, and during special events and plays for classmates and the community throughout the year. For example, in December the Comsewogue High School Chamber Orchestra performed for shoppers at Barnes and Noble. And in January, Chamber Orchestra students performed in the Long Island String Festival, a county-wide honor orchestra.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation was awarded to just 830 school districts and 78 schools across 43 states, honoring those that demonstrated outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Comsewogue School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
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 NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit the NAMM website.