Malverne among nation’s best in music education

The Malverne Union Free School District has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.

Malverne is one of 583 districts across the nation to receive this honor, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of teachers, parents, administrators and community members to ensure all students are offered exceptional music education in their curriculum.

“This award is a testament to our board of education, central and building administration, parents, students, community members and our music teachers,” said Michael Messina, the district’s chairman of music and fine arts.

The NAMM Foundation, assisted by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, evaluates schools and districts based on their funding, highly qualified music teachers, commitment to high music standards, community support, and participation and access to music instruction.

The success of Malverne School District’s music education is reflected in their national competition achievements that include the Pride of Malverne Winter Guard team’s third place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network Championships in April, and the high school band’s third place finish at the New York State Field Band Conference championships in October.

A nonprofit that advocates for music education, The NAMM Foundation also sponsors the SupportMusic Coalition, which joins music educators, businesses, nonprofits and concerned residents in an effort to bring music education programs to schools and communities that would otherwise not have them.

-Nakeem Grant