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WASD Once Again Among Nation's 'Best Communities for Music Education'

District Wide

April 09, 2021 | Fine & Performing Arts

2021 Best Communities Logo

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 9, 2021) — The Williamsport Area School District has once again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 

This is the 19th time in 20 years that WASD has received the designation, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The district is among only 686 schools selected nationally.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, WASD 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

 “We’re honored to once again to have our music program nationally recognized,” said Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers. “For nearly two decades now, the district has received this designation, which is an outstanding achievement and a testament to our faculty who invest countless hours in creating a truly high-quality, comprehensive program. This recognition reinforces the district’s commitment to arts education and our belief that we offer one of the best music programs to our students and community. Congratulations to our music department.”

 “The WASD music department is so honored to have received the NAMM Best Communities for Music Education for the another year,” said Kent Weaver, choral instructor and music department lead. “We’re so appreciative and grateful for our WASD Board of Education, administration and our wonderful community that supports music in their children’s lives.”

 The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

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