Lynbrook schools named a 2014 Best Community for Music Education

Heralding its commitment to music education, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation designated the Lynbrook School District as a 2014 Best Community for Music Education.

The Best Communities designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education as an integral part of the core curriculum. This is the second consecutive year that Lynbrook Public Schools has been awarded this honor.

“These districts make a strong commitment to music education in the core curriculum, supporting its essential value to a well-rounded education for every child,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation’s executive director. “Strong, engaging programs that offer students access to music cannot thrive in a vacuum. The Best Communities designation brings hard-won visibility to music classes, programs and departments that are keeping music education alive in our schools.”

Now in its 15th year, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and greater access to music education. Of the more than 2,000 districts and schools that took part in the survey, only 34 districts on Long Island and 376 districts across the nation earned the Best Communities designation this year.

More than 1,900 students in the Lynbrook School District participate in over 50 different ensembles, which include concert and symphonic bands; wind ensembles; jazz band and marching band; brass ensemble; full, string and chamber orchestras; and mixed, select and concert choirs.

In the 2013-14 school year, three students were chosen to perform in the All-State Music Festival. A total of 87 students performed in the All-County Music Festival. Twelve string players were chosen for the Long Island String Festival. Students also performed this year with renowned musicians and composers, such as Mark Wood and Christopher Tin. The members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society use their musical talents to serve their community. Through the Theater Arts program, each school produces its own musical and holds other performances throughout the year, giving students many opportunities to participate on stage and behind the scenes.