Submitted by The Linden Public Schools Fine & Performing Arts Department
The Linden Public Schools Fine & Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce that it has been designated one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the United States. There are over 14, 000 school districts in the country, we were one of 388 districts given this honor for 2015.
The NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) has recognized our district for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. This designation confirms that our school district has demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of school’s core curriculum. The BCME survey was sent to over 14,000 school districts across the country with more than 2,000 districts responding answering detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. According to the National Association of Music Merchants, we have been recognized for the commitment of school administration and community leaders, teachers, and parents who believe in music education and are working to ensure that it is part of a complete education for all children.
In Linden, all elementary school students receive at least 30 minutes of music a week. At the middle and high school levels, there are over ten different music courses offered daily for students. District wide, there are approximately 550 band members, 360 orchestra members, and 660 chorus members. As a department we are making a concerted effort to incorporate technology in music classes at all levels. Throughout the year there are over 25 concerts and performances by our students at our schools and in our community.
We as a district and especially as a department are very proud of this recognition. As always, thank you for your support of the arts in Linden.
Linden designated as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the United States
