Oxford Schools has once again been recognized for its outstanding music education with a ‘Best Communities for Music Education? (BCME) designation by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)’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 across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.?
Oxford was one out of 388 schools recognized nationwide.
‘It’s always nice to be recognized for our various programs and in this case our (Music) Arts program and all of the investment the district has made in that area,? said Deputy Superintendent Tim Throne. ‘It’s always nice to be recognized by others as to the quality and the excellence that speaks to the programs we’ve built.?
The BCME survey requires districts 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 Center for Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
Oxford was also one of 11 districts to receive the designation, which included: Ann Arbor, Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn, Farmington, Fraser, Holland, Norway-Vulcan, Troy and Utica.
‘Obviously with only 10 other districts being recognized in the state of Michigan, I think that speaks to the quality of our programming and the dedication of our staff and students in pursuing artistic excellence,? Throne added.
Oxford school’s music opportunities include: Pre-K ? 3 Suzuki Strings Program, 4-12 string program, 4-12 band program, 4-12 choral program, Middle/High School theatre program and the Oxford Arts Conservatory.
As a way of providing a higher level of musical opportunity for students, Oxford Schools has partnered with Shar Music, Marshall Music, Oakland University, Oakland Youth Orchestras and the Michigan Ballet Theatre. These partnerships open doorways for music education through free-instrument rentals for those in need to challenging ensemble opportunities to clinics with internationally-renowned musicians.
According to a press release, ‘community music programs have been drawing increased attention this year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. The researchers found new links between students in music programs and academic success in subject areas such as reading. Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings.?
Oxford was also named one of the BCME in 2014 by NAMM as well.
‘Not only is it nice to be recognized once, but even more special to be recognized multiple years,? Throne said.