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Pottsgrove earns sixth straight NAMM ‘‘Best Communities for Music Education’’ recognition
Summary
A representative of the NAMM Foundation presented Pottsgrove a plaque recognizing the district's music program; speakers highlighted marching band success and the role of classroom general music.
Tom Kelly of Zezewitz Music presented a plaque on behalf of the NAMM Foundation at the Sept. 23 Pottsgrove School Board meeting, recognizing the district for outstanding support of music education. Pottsgrove was one of roughly 1,000 U.S. school districts to receive the award this year and the district has earned the recognition six years in a row.
Kelly explained the program is administered by the NAMM Foundation and evaluated by an external reviewer (the University of Kansas). He said the application is extensive — "32 or 33 pages of a lot of detailed questions," — and praised district staff for completing it. "By the good graces of the administration, and the wonderful staff that is behind me, they are excellent," Kelly said.
The presentation highlighted both performance ensembles and general classroom music. Kelly noted the marching band's competitive success and that strong general-music experiences serve as the pipeline to chorus, band and orchestra. He presented a placard reading in part: "We congratulate you, Potts Grove School District, for outstanding support of music education, enriching the lives of children and advancing student achievement. Music makes you smarter."
Board members and the superintendent thanked the district music staff, and Kelly invited the teachers to join the board for a photograph. The district named the music teachers present at the meeting, including Kristen Hyde (band and orchestra; music department chair), Allison Trout, Will Einhorn, Amy McMahon and others.
The recognition underscores the district's continuum of general and ensemble music offerings and the community and staff efforts that support those programs.
