The Biloxi Public School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Biloxi is one of 4% of districts across the nation and the only district in Mississippi receiving this prestigious award in 2017.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Biloxi Schools Fine Arts Department 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 Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“At Biloxi Schools, we recognize the importance of music and fine arts and we’re proud of the music education we provide to all of our students, at all grade levels,” said Superintendent Arthur McMillan.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.