NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
March 23, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Chaparral Music Education Program Receives National Recognition
DIAMOND BAR, CA--Chaparral Middle School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
Chaparral joins 120 schools across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2015.
The SupportMusic Merit Award is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Chaparral answered 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 Center of Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
“It is really exciting to be recognized by a prestigious national organization for the musical opportunities we offer to our students,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux. “An award like this will motivate students to enroll in our campus music programs and will help us to celebrate properly the grand opening of our state-of-the-art music building next fall.”
The NAMM Foundation’s SupportMusic Merit Award brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education for all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school.
Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this school year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading.
Roughly ninety-two percent of Chaparral’s 1,239 students are currently enrolled in an arts program at the school. Chaparral enjoys tremendous community support that reflects a high value on music education for its students. As well, Chaparral’s music program has blossomed under a team of music teachers who are highly trained, committed to student success, and dedicated to their craft.
The Music program at Chaparral offers a wide range of musical electives including band, orchestra, choir, music technology, guitar and general music. Each year, Chaparral students win prestigious awards at festivals where the music programs are showcased.
Not surprising, Chaparral’s 929 API reflects the positive side effects that are so typical of schools that place emphasis on music programs.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.