Williamsport secures national music designation for the 20th time

Williamsport Area School District (WASD) has once again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the 20th time in 21 years that WASD has received the designation, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
WASD is among only 738 school districts selected nationally.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, WASD 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.

“We’re honored once again to have our music program nationally recognized,” said Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers. “For two decades now, this recognition represents the tireless dedication of our music faculty who invest a significant amount of time to create a truly high-quality, comprehensive program, which is a strong component our district’s culture. This designation reinforces the district’s commitment to arts education and meets our goal of providing a high-quality music program to our students and community. Congratulations once again to our music department.”

“An award like the NAMM award is a testament to the community and its support of the arts,” said Matthew Radspinner, Williamsport Area High School orchestra teacher and department chair. “The arts are programs that promote well-rounded citizens and Williamsport benefits from our strong music and arts programs. Generations of our alumni have grown and supported community-building groups, arts councils, organizations, higher education opportunities, performing arts institutions and businesses in our area. This award ultimately celebrates our community’s success.”

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.