For the fourth consecutive year, Norwin School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education.
This award, sponsored by the NAMM Foundation, recognizes the Norwin community for the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who are making music part of a well-rounded education for every child in our community.
“We are fortunate to have a robust K-12 music education program and a community with a longstanding history of support for the arts,” said Dr. Jeff Taylor, Superintendent. “We are also grateful for our music educators, parents, and community members who support our students as they learn and grow through the Norwin music program.”
Now in its 23rd 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. Some 686 school districts received the award this year.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Norwin 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“We are honored that the NAMM Foundation has yet again recognized the Norwin community for its ongoing commitment to excellence in music education,” said Mr. Brandon Kandrack, Norwin K-12 Music Curriculum Leader. “This accolade lauds not only the amazing students that our dedicated and talented music faculty work with every day but also the supportive administration, school board, and community members. Working together, all of these crucial stakeholders have been able to foster an environment conducive to high-quality music learning and performing to occur in our school district for many years and for generations to come.”
Mr. Kandrack also serves as Assistant Band Director / Percussion Specialist at Norwin High School and Norwin Middle School.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. For more information about the benefits of music education, please visit the NAMM Foundation’s webpage at www.nammfoundation.org/WHY-MUSIC-MATTERS.