Suffield Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“We find in Suffield that for our students, the music classroom becomes more than just a space to be challenged,” says Anthony Ferreira, Suffield High School Choir Director. “It becomes a space to explore, to create, and to be their true selves”.
“To me, music class is more than a grade or a requirement to graduate. It is a way to connect with yourself and others,” said Dani Fanska, junior choir member.
Ariella Cuevas, freshman band member said, “Music education has allowed me to express myself through music. I have always felt that music can express emotions that words cannot, and by playing in a band, I have learned how to harness that to make the audience feel something that cannot be fully explained otherwise.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Suffield Public Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
Suffield Public Schools offers music instruction at all grade levels in a variety of courses that engage students in meaningful and diverse musical experiences. Over 600 students in grades 4-12 participate in elective band or chorus. In addition to traditional performing ensembles, courses are offered in music composition, audio production, guitar, piano, ukulele, and the History of American Music and Popular Culture. Suffield Public Schools serves approximately 2000 students.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.