4 Area School Districts Recognized for Music Education

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Four local school districts have earned the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation.

Boardman, West Branch and Lakeview school districts in Ohio and the Shenango Valley School District in New Castle, Pa., made the list, which “recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education,” according to the NAMM Foundation website.

“Boardman is proud of our arts education program and music offerings comprising 13 performance groups from choral, orchestra, jazz bands, marching band and our unique electric rock orchestra in Project Mayhem,” Mark Zura, principal of Boardman High School, said in a news release. “As high school is the pinnacle experience, we are grateful for all the teachers and parents who invest in our young people starting from kindergarten through eighth grade. This foundation prepares our Spartans to take the stage early and often, and results in continuing excellence in our district-wide music programs.”

This marks the 11th year that West Branch made the list. It’s the eighth year for Boardman, the fifth for Shenango Valley and third for Lakeview.

“Music education gives students a creative outlet where they build self-esteem and discipline, gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment while developing important social skills,” said Michele Prokop, Boardman music department chair. “A lifelong appreciation for music is something that we hope to give our students, with options to be involved and excel during their K-12 experience.”  

The foundation’s website said the schools and communities that earn the designation “demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.”

The NAMM Foundation is a supporting organization of the National Association of Music Merchants. 

Pictured at top: Boardman High School students in Project Mayhem, the school’s rock orchestra, rehearse.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.