Shaler Area recognized for music education
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For the second consecutive year, The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) has honored Shaler Area School District with its Best Communities for Music Education designation.
Shaler Area is one of 623 districts in the nation and 92 in the state to earn the award for demonstrating “outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students,” according to the foundation.
To qualify for the designation, Shaler Area representatives answered questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music classes, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music programs. The University of Kansas Music Research Institute researchers reviewed the application.
The award recognizes that Shaler Area is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. In 2015, the U.S. Congress passed the ESSA, which recognizes the importance of music and arts as part of a “well-rounded education.”
“We truly believe that music education doesn’t just happen in one classroom, but extends much further — the stage, other academic areas, and most importantly, the community,” said George Tepshich, music department chairman for the seventh- through 12th-grade level. “Many will agree that music education really encompasses math, reading, history and language skills; we base our teachings on this philosophy.”
“We are extremely proud of the music education program at Shaler Area and the dedicated teachers in our music department,” said Superintendent Sean Aiken in a statement. “Being recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the second consecutive year highlights Shaler Area’s commitment to music education and the quality of music education available to our students.”
Tepshich praised music education’s benefits, noting that “with proper training, most people can develop a decent level of musicianship.” He thinks it teaches individualism, the importance of “a solid social structure” and teamwork. Music education fosters students’ creativity and provides a venue for positive expression, he said.
“Our commitment to our students’ musical journeys will always be to instill an understanding of music through exposure of various forms and experiences and to cultivate lifelong appreciators of the art form.”
Tepshich said Shaler Area is honored to be among the Best Communities for Music Education school districts.
“We get to see the hard work that our students put in day in and day out, but it is great to see them get the recognition that they deserve,” he said.