Lexington District One’s Music Education Program receives national recognition

Lexington, SC 04/23/3021 - For the fourth consecutive year, the NAMM Foundation ranked Lexington County School District One among the Best Communities for Music Education for its outstanding commitment to music education.

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 this designation, Lexington District One answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Music education in our district is unparalleled because of the tremendous talent, passion and dedication of our teachers and students,” said Erin Fitzgerald, coordinator of Academically and Artistically Gifted and Talented Programs. “The arts are not extra in our district; they are essential. Additionally, the continued support for the arts from our school board and community partners has been critical in offering excellent music education and opportunities for our students.”

This award recognizes that Lexington District One is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive and social skill benefits for children. After just two years of music education, students show substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and boast higher reading scores as compared to students who aren’t involved in music. Students who are involved in music are also more likely to graduate high school and attend college.