Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) is a signature program of The NAMM Foundation that recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.
Marple Newtown School District, a fifth time BCME recipient from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is thriving from community investment. The district is one of 623 school districts to receive the BCME designation in 2019.
Larysa Dragonetti, a Marple Newton school music teacher, said receiving a BCME designation is a recognition and celebration for all.
“Parents, students, teachers, administrators, school board members, community members and local businesses share in and are integral to the success of the Marple Newtown School District music program,” shared Dragonetti.
Students across the district are flourishing from their participation in music education programs which include choirs, bands, and ensembles. According to Pam Corner, a Marple Newtown parent, music has opened up a new world for her daughters.
“Concerts have exposed them to experiences that have increased their confidence levels and abilities to adapt. Performing in a group is another level of cooperation and interaction with their peers that is invaluable to growing as a person. They've also learned to be disciplined in practicing and preparing for their performances," she said.
School districts and schools across the United States are encouraged to apply for the 2020 BCME designation. The survey opens in October 2019.
"Applying for a BCME designation is well worth the time," said Dragonetti. “Collecting the data helps the community see the success as well as set goals for improvement."
A complete list of school districts and schools receiving a BCME designation in 2019 can be found here: BCME Award | SupportMusic Merit Award.