The Rochester City School District (RCSD) has been honored with the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the third consecutive year the RCSD has received this nationwide distinction.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the RCSD 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.
Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small said, “I am extremely proud of the exceptional work done by our music teachers and department. This award is a testament to the unique opportunities that we provide to our students and our collaboration with the Greater Rochester Arts Community. Arts education is so vital in a child’s education, as it allows them to explore, imagine, and broaden their knowledge in new and different ways."
Vocal/general music instruction is offered at every RCSD school. Instrumental music is offered at every school for students in grades 4-12. Additional Districtwide ensembles include the Pride of Rochester Marching Band and the ROC City Players Theatre Program. The RCSD also boasts strong visual arts programming for all students, including an assortment of engaging elective courses at the secondary level.
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.
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