LIBERTY, NY — The Liberty Central School District (LCSD) has been honored as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for the fifth year in a row.

To qualify for the designation, the district 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 by school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Music education offers a multifaceted array of benefits, touching on cognitive, emotional, social and physical development,” said LCSD director of music Eric Aweh. “Its impact is profound, laying the groundwork for well-rounded individuals who are capable of thinking creatively, expressing themselves and contributing positively to society.”

The community will be able to see the students perform several times before the end of the school year, in a series of spring concerts.

High school mixed ensembles will be featured Tuesday, May 9; seventh and eighth graders on Tuesday, May 14; high school honors students on Thursday, May 16; fifth and sixth graders on Tuesday, May 21, and the elementary students on Monday, June 3. 

All concerts will be held in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m., except the elementary concert, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Music is a vital part of the educational experience,” LCSD superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We appreciate the NAMM Foundation’s continued recognition of our dedication to providing a quality music education for our students.”

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. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants.