Akron Central School’s Music Education Program receives national recognition for 8th year

The Akron Central School District recently received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the eighth consecutive year.

Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for 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, Akron Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“The Akron Central School District is committed to providing all of our students with a well-rounded instructional program with ample opportunities to participate in a variety of extracurricular pursuits,” said Superintendent Patrick D. McCabe who is learning about and enjoying the ACS music program during his first year as superintendent. “Our renowned music education program is a shining example of a solid core program that is enhanced by tremendous instrumental and vocal ensembles. Overall, it is a source of great pride for the district. More importantly, we know that our students value the program and benefit from their participation on so many levels. Being recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education is a tremendous honor. We are indebted to our talented music education teachers, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students. This recognition is truly a team effort and I could not be happier for or more proud of everyone involved.”

This award recognizes that Akron Central School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing – while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children. 

“This award is a community effort, and not just the result of our music department – I feel blessed to live and work in a district that is so supportive of our music program,” commented Mrs. Debra Komosinski, Elementary and Middle School Instrumental Director.  “Our Akron Music Parents Association, our administrators and our Board of Education are incredibly supportive and I have students, parents and colleagues learning to navigate new internet technologies to continue teaching music to our students during the global health crisis – it’s just amazing and wonderful.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive, and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers, and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound.  Young adults, and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years, show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

The local Akron school community continues to enjoy countless music events from the many music ensembles of Akron Schools including Labor Day, Memorial Day and July 4th holiday parades, annual Prism and holiday concerts, this year’s new lighted Community Christmas event featuring the Santa’s Helpers Band, and musical productions such as this year’s Disney’s High School Musical for which Akron is a Kenny Award Finalist through Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Lipke Foundation.  The COVID-19 pandemic has thus far caused the cancellation of the annual Music & Munchies orchestra concert and Cabaret Concerts.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 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.