TOWSON, MD—For the 19th consecutive year, Baltimore County Public Schools has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation. This national honor is an acknowledgement of the extraordinary commitment of the school district to providing all students with access to quality music education.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is conferred by The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music. This designation recognizes BCPS’s outstanding achievement in providing students with access to all the necessary music resources, including funding, graduation requirements, music participation, instruction time, and more.

The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas verified responses from detailed questionnaires that were submitted by BCPS officials.

“The continued recognition of excellence in our BCPS music program is a testament to the incredible music educators in our district and the power of music education to foster community and belonging,” said Sherri Fisher, BCPS director of Career and Technical Education and Fine Arts. “This award represents the continued hard work, collaboration, dedication, and creativity of students, families, teachers, and school system and community leaders. I am grateful to the staff in the Office of Performing Arts.”

Sonia Synkowski, BCPS coordinator of Performing Arts, expressed her gratitude for the continued support of music programs in all schools. She also highlighted the importance of music education in fostering musical excellence among students.

“Our BCPS music educators continue to foster musical excellence in their daily practice, and because of their commitment to our students, we continue to be recognized at both the state and national level,” Synkowski said. “BCPS provides a supportive, nurturing environment for our community of more than 350 music educators. I am thankful for the continued support of our music programs in all schools and for the leadership of our dedicated staff in the Office of Performing Arts.”

Research has demonstrated that music education can have positive outcomes in a wide range of areas, including student achievement, social skills, and life outcomes. Students who have participated in music classes have shown improvements in academic skills, improved listening and social skills, and a greater sense of community. Music education can also help students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to become more effective public citizens.

The NAMM Foundation is committed to advancing the highest levels of music education for all students. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is one of the ways that the foundation is working to achieve its mission of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential through music education.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.