Robbinsdale Area Schools Named One of Nation’s Best Communities for Music Education

Robbinsdale Area Schools and the greater community have again been recognized nationally for strongly supporting and providing access to music education.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a non-profit with the mission of advancing participation in music, has named Robbinsdale Area Schools a recipient of the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education Award. Just six school districts across the state, and 686 nationally earned the honor, according to NAMM.

The award program specifically recognizes districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This is the second straight year Robbinsdale Area Schools has earned the award.

“Being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education really speaks to the opportunities we offer to students, especially during this challenging year of pandemic learning,” said district Fine Arts Coordinator Sarah Prindiville. “We are proud of our students and staff for persevering through these challenges and continuing our strong commitment to music education. We are grateful to have community support for our programs and we look forward to continued partnerships in the future.”

The Best Communities for Music Education Award includes an extensive review, and NAMM evaluates districts based on a host of factors — both in and outside the schools — from funding levels, participation, access to instruction and minutes of instruction per grade level, to musical activities in and around the community.

“We applaud with all our hearts the commitment of so many to assure students continue with deep and rich music learning,” said Mary Luehrsen executive director of The NAMM Foundation.

Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education program plays an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to make music education part of the core curriculum in schools across the country. To see the full list of winners, visit the NAMM website.