2018 Best Communities For Music Education

NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Enlarged City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This honor is awarded to the top 5% of school districts in the nation.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District was named one of 583 school districts that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

“We are proud of the long history of quality music education programs that we offer in Newburgh. Music education encourages our scholars to explore learning with a unique and creative approach. Music encourages our students to use different parts of their brain, may also ease stressors, and promotes a healthy and well-rounded learning environment for all of our scholars.” Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District

“This award is a testament to the fact that we continue to meet the needs of the diverse needs of our student population and our community by expanding the opportunities for participation in and exposure to the experiences that music education provides.” Theresa Brown, Director of Fine and Performing Arts.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District has one of the longest running string instructional program in all of New York State. We sent a scholar, Supriya Makam, to Florida to join the “best of the best” for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Ensembles Showcase. We also continue to celebrate our Alumni who are famous for their talent – and love – of singing. Lexi Lawson, class of 2001 now holds a lead role in the award-winning musical, Hamilton. Just recently, another NFA graduate, Chaundre Broomfield began a role in the traveling company of Hamilton. Both of these alumni have traveled the world -with a base of music education that they received right here at Newburgh Free Academy.

This year, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District sent 13 students to New York State School Music Association NYSSMA, celebrated an 89-year tradition at their winter concert, and began to grow their drum line program. Students highlighted their talents and education in music at the NECSD All-District concert, the Superintendent’s Celebration of the Arts, and at individual school concerts. Each year, we showcase student performances at community events.

This award recognizes that the Newburgh Enlarged City School District 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.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.