The National Association of Music Merchants recently named Avon's local schools to its list of Best Communities for Music Education, according to District Communications Coordinator Julie Short.
Short said the award recognizes the community's dedication to providing musical education opportunities to students for 25 years.
Avon Schools took home the honor in the first year it applied for the award list, she said.
“This is the first time Avon has been recognized,” Short said. “To receive the Best Communities designation, Avon Local Schools must answer detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, participation in music classes, class hours, facilities, and support for music programs and community music production programs. I did.”
Katie Holloway, orchestra director at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Road in Avon, said she took the application project on her own.
Holloway said earning this honor in the district's first year of application is a major accomplishment by students, parents and faculty.
Specifically, he praised their consistent commitment to the program.
“I think it is extremely important that our music students be recognized for the level of dedication and talent they bring to our program every day,” Holloway said. “We would not be able to receive an award like this without the cooperation of our students.”
Students have strong relationships with music educators as well as the music program, she said.
“Participating in music has been proven to be a great indicator of later success in life,” Holloway said. “I hear it often in my own classroom, and I think other teachers hear it too, that music is a safe space (for students).”
Holloway thanked the school district for believing in the music program, especially over the past few years.
She said she is proud of the success of Avon's music program in a department that is often underfunded for many schools.
“A few years ago, our community and administration showed tremendous support,” Holloway said. “(They) built our beautiful performing arts center here in the district.
“We feel this is a great opportunity for us to promote to our parents (and) our community that we have nationally recognized music programming right here in our backyard.”
Avon Schools Superintendent Ben Hodge said he is grateful for the support of the students and the Avon community.
Hodge said the district hopes to continue earning recognition from NAMM and growing its reputation as a premier destination for music education.
“This is a great honor for our students, program, staff, administration and community,” he said. “Music offerings begin with the youngest learners at the Avon Early Learning Center and continue through high school.
“We are grateful to be able to provide so many wonderful opportunities for our students to be creative and showcase their musical talents.”
