For immediate release

CCPS recognized among best 100 communities for music education

Chesterfield County music teachers can toot their own horn: their efforts to provide students with a high-quality education have been recognized nationally. A national survey conducted by a partnership of leading music and educational organizations identified Chesterfield County Public Schools as among the "Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America."

"Exposure to the arts creates a well-rounded student," said Suzanne Mallory-Parker, the school division's instructional specialist for the performing arts. "But research shows the study of music does more than teach a student how to play or sing music. It creates self-directed learners who are critical thinkers and problem solvers."

Thousands of school staff and parents, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in a web-based survey sponsored by the NAMM Foundation and its American Music Conference division. The 2007 winners include school divisions from 31 states that are committed to quality music education programs and providing access to music education. The districts were measured across a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria.

Chesterfield County Public Schools has an impressive résumé:

• Chesterfield County has the largest student representation (41 percent) in the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.
• Several high schools have been designated Virginia Honor Bands by the Virginia Music Educators Association.
• The Virginia Music Educators Association has named several middle and high school programs Blue Ribbon Schools.
• Middle school bands have been recognized for their participation in district- and state-level competitions
• Students have been selected to participate in Virginia all-state choirs and high school choirs routinely place high in competitions and festivals.
• More than 400 elementary school-age students will participate in the Elementary Mass Choir at the annual Arts and Sciences Festival in April.