Archive: Around Town

The Ithaca City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

This is the seventh consecutive year that the ICSD has received this designation. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education

The ICSD was one of just 623 school districts nationwide to receive this honor. The BCME program, now in its 20th year, evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. Districts participate in a survey that is used in the BCME selection process.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. Studies have found that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving, and flexibility in work situations, as well as learning how to give and receive constructive criticism.

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