For the second year in a row, East Hartford Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 23rd 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.
“We are so fortunate to be in a town that recognizes and values the importance of the arts in education. It is gratifying that our community sees the arts as an educational requisite for a balanced, well-educated student,” said Thomas Scavone, Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts for East Hartford Public Schools. “Our dedicated staff believe that the arts are essential to every student’s life, every day.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, East Hartford 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.
“I am so excited that East Hartford Public Schools has been named a Best Community for Music Education a second year in a row,” said Chris Siegel, Music Teacher at East Hartford High School. “This recognition does not come lightly and is a direct reflection of the hard work all of our teachers, students, and administrators put into the arts every day. I am proud to teach in East Hartford and hope to continue building off of our success for an even brighter future ahead.”