Milford has been named a Best Community for Music Education four years in a row.
Information via Milford Public Schools
MILFORD, CT – Milford Public Schools and the City of Milford jointly announce that Milford has been named a Best Community for Music Education (BCME) by the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. I will make an announcement. This award marks the fourth consecutive year that the city and district have received this award. Now in its 25th year, her BCME designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate excellence in providing music access and education to all students.
subscribe
To qualify for the BCME designation, school districts answered detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, and support for music programs and community music production programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the University of Kansas Institute of Music.
At Milford, music education instruction is offered to all students from PK through 12th grade. The district offers a wide range of music programs, including general music, music technology, vocal/choral music, instrumental music, and orchestral/string instruments. The addition of the Electrify Your Choir experience with world-renowned virtuosos Laura Kay and Nathan Blake earlier this year is the latest example of the district's efforts to continue moving the Milford music program forward.
Further consideration was given to the strong support for music education demonstrated throughout the community. Examples of this include Milford’s annual Porchfest and powerful performance offerings through the Milford Arts Council (MAC). Additionally, local jazz pro Jay Lowe has been organizing his world-class two-night concerts called “Smooth Jazz for Scholars” for the past 20 years. The event brings together jazz enthusiasts from all over the Northeast Coast, and proceeds benefit his MPS music programs.
Research has unilaterally confirmed that strong music and arts programs in school districts are a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. In fact, after two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed significant improvements in speech/language processing and music notation reading compared to other participants who did not participate in music programming. I discovered.
Research shows that students who engage in music are not only more likely to graduate from high school, they are also more likely to attend college.
Amy Pelas, instructional supervisor for the MPS music program PK-12, was delighted to hear the news of the award. “The depth and breadth of the factors considered for this award align perfectly with not only our music program, but also our overall academic philosophy,” she said. “Music education helps students build teamwork skills, develop conflict resolution skills, and learn how to listen objectively. We are truly fortunate to have such a talented and skilled group of staff members and students.”
School principal Dr. Anna Cutaia agreed. “Winning this award is a continuing testament to our commitment and speaks volumes about the heights our students and staff are reaching,” she commented. “Our partnership with our community is another example of Milford's unsolicited embrace of musical experiences and education. We are grateful.”
Mayor Anthony Giannattasio is a strong supporter of the arts himself, and was not surprised that the Milford community has consistently received this honor. “We are grateful that the Milford community has once again recognized our strong support for the arts and music. We are blessed to have such a vibrant and wide range of musical talent in our community, through our members and all of our music-focused community events.Support for music and the arts is a huge part of what makes Milford shine. portion,” Mayor Giannattasio said.