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Wilton Schools Hit The Right Notes, Among Best For Music Education

WILTON, Conn. -- A total 476 school districts across the United States — including four in Fairfield County — are being recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as among the Best Communities for Music Education out of the nation’s 13,515 school districts. 

The Staples High School Chamber Orchestra, a select group of string players who audition to play in the ensemble each year, traveled to Boston on March 4 to hear a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall.

The Staples High School Chamber Orchestra, a select group of string players who audition to play in the ensemble each year, traveled to Boston on March 4 to hear a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall.

 Photo Credit: Melani Lust
Jason Bisnoff

Now in its 17th year, BCME recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who work together to ensure access to music learning for all students as part of the school curriculum. 

Noted school districts include: 

  • Bethel Public Schools 
  • Newtown Public Schools 
  • Westport Public Schools 
  • Wilton Public Schools
  • Bristol Public Schools 
  • Canton Public Schools 
  • Cheshire Public Schools 
  • Glastonbury Public Schools 
  • Newington Public Schools 
  • Simsbury Public Schools
  • Southington Public Schools 
  • Torrington Public Schools 
  • West Hartford Public Schools

In addition, the NAMM Foundation also has recognized 118 schools across the nation with the SupportMusic Merit Award, honoring individual schools that have demonstrated strong support for and commitment to music education. The BCME and SMMA designations take on added significance this year due to the passage of the new federal education law in December 2015. The Every Student Succeeds Act designates music as a recommended subject and as part of “a well-rounded education.”

“The schools and districts that the NAMM Foundation honors this year with this award demonstrate a commitment to supporting music education and assuring opportunities for music learning in the curriculum for all students,” said Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation. “We are moving from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children. That includes access to a well-rounded education – and an opportunity to learn and grow with music and the arts. The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs. ” 

A complete list of districts and schools recognized by the foundation this year can be found at this website.

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