NAMM Foundation Survey Reveals Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation

April 27th, 2012

A ‘Best Community for Music Education’ In the United States

The NAMM Foundation recently announced the results of its 13th annual Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum. This year, Hamilton Southeastern Schools has been designated a “Best Community.”

HSE receives this recognition for the first time in 2012 and is one of only four school districts in Indiana to receive this designation. In all, 176 school districts nationwide were recognized.

Established in 1999, The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities that provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education. The BCME survey is designed and implemented in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin) of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

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, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

The complete Best Communities for Music Education roster can be viewed at www.nammfoundation.org.

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

For more information, contact Lisa Cesarano at (914) 798-7134 or lcesarano@giles.com