Recognized for setting the bar in music education accessibility for students, Massapequa School District received its fifth designation as one of the nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The honor was awarded to 15 Nassau County school districts among 376 districts recognized nationwide.
Dr. David Gaines, Massapequa’s curriculum associate for music, K-12, attributes the recognition to the collective support of the staff, administrators, parents and the school board.
“There is tremendous support and enthusiasm on all levels to see that our students have access to an enriching music program and that they receive the support and opportunities they need to be successful student musicians,” Gaines said. “This honor affirms that our music department, its staff and our programs are at the forefront of music education nationwide.”
The fifth recognition trumpets some recent milestones and achievements in the district. Massapequa High School clarinetist Timothy Diovanni became the first Massapequa student to be named an All-National musician by National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME).
The district was also one of only three in Nassau County that produced 10 or more All-State musicians.
Selection for the “Best Communities in Music Education” distinction is based on results of an on-line survey that measures the strength of curriculum and programs as well as the level of public support. Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were reviewed by advisory organizations and verified with district officials.
