The Herricks Public Schools have continued a long-running success streak in being named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. This annual designation, now in its 20th year, is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
“On behalf of the music department, I am so proud of receiving this distinguished honor once again this year,” said Director of Music and Performing Arts Anissa Arnold. “It is thanks to the support of our community and administration and the dedication of our students and teachers. Bravo!”
The Best Communities for Music Education Award and the implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education for all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school.
The Herricks Public Schools provide a comprehensive music and performing arts program with totals of nine bands, nine orchestras and 12 choirs. Almost 80 percent of the district’s eligible student population is involved in musical performance. At the high school level, the musical experience is broadened through classes in theory, composition, music history and theatre. Students also pursue their talents through extracurricular musicals and dramas, jazz bands, chamber orchestras, wind ensembles and show choir.
The Music and Performing Arts Department has a strong history of success, which includes several GRAMMY Foundation school awards and New York State School Music Association distinctions. Herricks students earn acceptance to prestigious, competitive performance ensembles on an annual basis and many continue to fine-tune their skills through participation in summer courses. Most recently, the high school and middle school Tri-M chapters both received 2018 Chapter of the Year honors from the National Association for Music Education.
