OSD Receives Best Communities for Music Education Designation

Oxford School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

OHS Choral Teacher, Thomas Ardrey led the application process to qualify for the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

Now in its 20th year, 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.

“Music education is important to our district and its students,” Superintendent Brian Harvey said. “Receiving this designation is a wonderful reflection of our district’s music education program and our community’s support of the arts in our schools.”

This award recognizes that Oxford School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Oxford High School choral teacher Thomas Ardrey led the application process to qualify for the “Best Communities” designation. Ardrey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music programs.

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition,” Ardrey said. “Music education connects students with their own culture as well as with the world. I am lucky to be a part of a district that values music education and supports the arts as a vital piece in student learning.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, the research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores that their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

Courtesy of OSD communications