Plano ISD was named one of the Best Communities for Music Education this year for the 22nd consecutive year.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation named 738 school districts across 44 states this year for their support of music education. NAMM noted that each district that won 2022 Best Communities for Music Education shared common themes of collaboration and innovation.
“Music educators, administrators, and communities truly rallied to support and sustain music education through a period of intense change and adaptation. These districts and schools persevered in serving their students and communities and assured that music education was part of curriculum offerings,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “We applaud the commitment and efforts of all music educators, school administrators, and community members in providing students the opportunity to explore their creativity through music.”
Plano ISD’s music program begins at the elementary school level with a general music curriculum delivered by a music specialist for approximately an hour per week, as well as extra-curricular ensembles and the Plano Children’s Chorale. In middle school, students can choose between band, choir or orchestra before pursuing higher ensembles and competitions in high school.
The music program won several other accolades this year, including TMEA Invited High School Choir: Plano East Senior High School Chamber Choir, TMEA Invited Middle School Choir: Renner Middle School Treble Choir, and Jazz Education Network Invited Ensemble: Plano West Jazz Ensemble.
The distinction provides Plano ISD with national recognition, program validation, and an auditing tool for evaluating the district’s music program. Videos of Plano ISD’s many musical performances can be found on Plano ISD’s Facebook.