Four Schuylkill County school districts have been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation by The NAMM Foundation for their exceptional commitment to music education.
The honored districts include:
- North Schuylkill – Awarded for the sixth consecutive year
- Shenandoah Valley – Recognized for the fifth year in a row
- Minersville Area – Celebrating its second consecutive year
- Schuylkill Haven Area – First-time honoree
Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education award is presented to school districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To be considered for the designation, districts must submit detailed information on several aspects of their music programs, including funding, curriculum requirements, participation levels, instructional time, facilities, and community engagement. The application process also includes verification by school officials and review by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Receiving this award again for the sixth year in a row is a tremendous honor for our district and its stellar music program. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our music department faculty and our incredible students,” said Jacob Shoener, Director of Bands at North Schuylkill High School.
The recognition comes at a time when music education is increasingly being recognized for its academic and developmental benefits. Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, there has been renewed focus on providing students with a well-rounded education, including music and the arts. ESSA provides targeted funding for such programs through Title IV Part A grants, which many school districts have used to address disparities in access to music education.
Research continues to show the value of music in education. Studies indicate that students engaged in music not only develop stronger cognitive and language processing skills but also demonstrate improved reading scores, better memory, and enhanced social skills. Music education has also been linked to higher graduation and college attendance rates.
The benefits of music education extend beyond the classroom. Children with music training show improved ability to perceive speech in noisy environments, heightened attention skills, and stronger memory. Even adults who studied music in childhood retain enhanced neural processing decades later.
Beyond academics, music programs help students build essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and constructive criticism—skills that are critical in both personal and professional spheres.