Valley Stream District 13 takes a bow for its music program. Here's why.

Valley Stream District 13 seems to have struck a chord with its music program, having been recognized for the Best Communities for Music Education Award by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

The accolade celebrates school districts across the country that show steadfast dedication to providing rich musical opportunities to students as part of a well-rounded curriculum.

Johanna Land, district co-coordinator of music, says music is treated with the same thoughtful engagement as any other subject, infusing classrooms with the nuances of rhythm, melody, and creative expression.

“When you walk into a music class or ensemble rehearsal, you might see sixth graders learning to play duets on ukulele, with songs they have self-selected and have value to them,” said Land.

She continued: “You might see kindergartners displaying their understanding of rhythm through movement activities. You might see a small group violin lesson in which students lead one another in playing scales and canons. Regardless of what you see, students take risks, express themselves, and strive to reach their highest potential.”

Making music-making accessible to all students has long been a district priority even as other districts cut back or eliminate music from their curriculum. Lukewarm backing from parents or inadequate music teachers has often spelled the demise of music programs in schools, observers note.

Even though various studies point to music’s ability to improve students’ academic performance, emotional self-regulation, and reduce stress, it often tends to be the first item on the chopping block when school budgets are tight. Not in Valley Stream 13.

Every child from pre-K through sixth grade receives weekly music instruction, noted Land. “Students in grade three learn to play the recorder, which is a precursor to our instrumental and choral programs, which begin in grade four,” she said. “Our district provides instruments for every child in grades four through six at no cost to families, and each school maintains a full inventory of band and orchestral instruments. Rehearsals are scheduled so children can sing in choir and play an instrument as well.”

Learning benefits aside, music, noted Land, is appreciated by students for its perennial, uncanny capacity to nourish the soul. “Learning music in Valley Stream 13 is a joyful endeavor,” she said.