GRAMMY Resources for Music Education During Quarantine
April 22, 2020For the fifth time, the Bethel Park School District received the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for outstanding commitment to music education.
The award is given annually to school districts who demonstrate outstanding achievement, in an effort to provide music access and education to all students as part of a well-rounded education program.
Bethel Park was one of 754 school districts across the country to receive this award in 2020. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Bethel Park was required to answer 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.
“This award is a well-deserved validation of our Music Department’s hard work, dedication and outstanding teaching,” explains Dr. Joseph C. Dimperio, Interim Superintendent. “Our teachers work diligently to promote the importance of music in the lives of our students, and that carries over into our community, as the public has been extremely supportive of their performances every year, whether it be the Marching Band halftime shows, the musicals or the free holiday and spring concerts. The community’s staunch support of our students has encouraged them to continue to make music an important part of their lives.
“We are extremely proud of the Bethel Park Music Department for its exceptionally high commitment to music education, as well as the perpetuation of the Bethel Park tradition of musical excellence.”