Colonial School District continues national designation as a Best Community for Music Education

Colonial School District has again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. 

“The Colonial School District takes great pride in our music program, the teachers, and the variety of courses and activities we're able to offer our student musicians,” said Edward Merk, Curriculum Supervisor for Music. 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Colonial’s music teachers 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 by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.  

In the Colonial School District, music is included in the specialist rotation and offers annual grade level performances through fifth grade. Extra curricular music activities begin in third grade, and instrumental instruction starts in fourth grade. At Colonial Middle School, students can take intro to Music or one of the ensembles (Band, Chorus, Orchestra), as well as electives like Drama and Guitar.  Ensembles and electives continue at the high school level, where the courses include dual enrollment and Advanced Placement music classes where students can earn college credit.

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry.