Canton Again Named a Best Community For Music Education

For the second consecutive year, Canton has received the honor as a Best Community for Music Education from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. 

The results of its 13th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey was announced this week.

"This award is a reflection of the deep commitment that has been made to music education by the Board of Education, Superintendent Kevin Case, the various school administrators, and all of the district's teachers," said Tom Scavone, chairman of the music for the Canton schools. "It has allowed the music staff to deliver a high level of instruction that is reflected on a consistent
basis throughout our schools." 

While the designation is given to the school district, the foundation said the town's committment and support to music is considered in the honor. 

In all, 176 communities out of 237 that submitted surveys were recognized, including 166 school districts and 10 schools, according to a foundation release. Winning schools scored 80th percentile or higher in the survey's grading process.

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities' music education programs, the release states. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

A copy of the survey can be downloaded for review at www.nammfoundation.org.

The winning schools are listed at www.nammfoundation.org.