Deer Park has again been designated one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation. Now in its 15th year, this annual survey honors school districts which place exceptional emphasis on maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum and highlights music’s crucial role in students’ academic skills and success. Only 376 districts out of thousands who applied from across the country were chosen in 2014 for this recognition celebrating commitment to music education for children.

The BCME designation is based on a variety of metrics, reviewed by the University of Kansas-affiliated Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, including student enrollment in music courses, Advanced Placement or honors weighted music courses offered, the number of minutes per week devoted to both classroom music and performing ensembles, and the appropriate districtwide staffing of certified music teachers.     

“This is an honor the whole district may share,” said Dr. Jeff Dailey, the director of fine and performing arts. “It would not be possible without the hardworking music teachers and their students, but many others also figure into the equation – administrators, school board members, other teachers, parents and community members. They are all part of the reason this accolade was awarded to Deer Park.”