District 102 receives National Music Education Award

Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

District 102 is one of 4 percent of districts across the nation receiving the prestigious award in 2017 (including District 103). District 102 also received this award in 2015 and 2016.

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, District 102 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.

"D102 emphasizes the importance of music education by providing all students an exceptional music experience from kindergarten through eighth grade," said Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilcox.

"This award represents the value we place on the arts and demonstrates our commitment to educating the whole child."

This award recognizes that District 102 is leading the way with music learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, and awaiting state implementation designates music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.

As District 102 finalizes its 2017-2018 budget, the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education Award and the state level implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of curriculum offerings and available to all students.

It also highlights music's vital role in students' overall success in school and the personal benefits of making music.

These benefits can be seen in the hours students spend rehearsing for band, orchestra and choral concerts and learning the nuances of performing a concert for a large audience.

"When students' hard work and concert-day excitement fuse, students grow as musicians," said Band Director Tom Eifert.

Fellow District 102 music directors agree.

"Wanting to play your best and channeling your emotions to perform a musical piece is an unforgettable experience. It makes practicing worth every minute."

Thank you to band directors Tom Eifert (AJHS) and Allison Rakickas (MMS); orchestra directors Nicole Vettraino (AJHS) and Paul Jenkin (MMS); Choral Directors Renee Kruper and Gail Simon; and elementary music teachers Tammy Lathan and Rosemary Nelson.

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