Milford Public School District Wins National BCME Music Award Recognition awarded for 3rd year in a row for outstanding commitment to music education
MILFORD – The Milford Public School district has received a Best Communities for Music Education designation for the 3rd year in a row for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 24th year, the BCME recognition is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The recognition is given on behalf of the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM), a leading non-profit organization that supports scientific research, philanthropy, and public service programming in the world of music.
To qualify for the designation, district officials 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.
In Milford, music education instruction is offered to all students, grades PK-12. The district offers a wide variety of music programming in general music, music technology, voice/chorus, instrumental, and orchestra/strings. The introduction of the Electrify Your Symphony experience with world-renowned strings master Mark Wood earlier this year was a concrete example of the district’s effort to keep moving the Milford music program forward.
Additional consideration was given to the strong support of music education evidenced throughout the community. Examples of this included Milford’s Annual Porchfest, and the robust performance offerings through the Milford Arts Council (MAC).
Research unilaterally confirms that strong music and art programming in school districts provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. In fact, after two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in speech/language processing and in reading scores compared to their peers not involved in music programming. Studies also show that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate from high school, but also to attend college.
Amy Perras, Instructional Supervisor for the MPS Music Program PK-12, was delighted upon hearing the news about the award. “The depth and breadth of factors considered for this award dovetail perfectly not only with our music program but also with our entire academic philosophy,” she said. “Music education builds a student’s teamwork skills, and helps them develop conflict resolution skills, and learn how to listen objectively. We are, indeed, fortunate to have a group of such talented, skilled staff members and students who demonstrate their absolute best every day.”
Dr. Anna Cutaia, Superintendent agreed. “Receiving this award continues to validate our work and speaks volumes to the heights our students and staff are attaining,” she commented. “Our partnership with the community is yet another example of Milford’s unilateral embrace of music experience and education. We are, indeed, grateful.”
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