band members playing instruments

Nacogdoches ISD has been named a Best Communities for Music Education for a third straight year by The NAMM Foundation.

Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, NISD 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“What an honor to earn this award for a third straight time,” said NISD Director of Fine Arts Paulette Tomlinson. “Winning this award is a testament to our music team and our students and the outstanding work they do, and it's a reflection of the commitment of this school district and of our leaders, families and communities.

“I can say without a doubt that NISD values music education.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate the educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention and keep sounds in memory.