Grand Blanc Community Schools’ Music Education Program Receives National Recognition For the Second Year in a Row

Grand Blanc Community Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The district was also chosen for the designation in 2018.

Now in its 20th 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. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Grand Blanc Community Schools’ Music Program answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

This award recognizes that Grand Blanc Community Schools is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Alex Stockman, a senior student at GBHS, said, “Being a part of the music program at our high school has allowed me to meet new people, as well as learn new skills and develop other ones, such as leadership and responsibility, that will be useful later in my life.” 

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, the research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores that their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory.

Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound; young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism. Paige Csizmadiz, a fellow senior at GBHS agreed, saying, “Music education is a unique divergence from normal academic classes. I’ve been able to learn so much from this program that you can’t really get from much else, including skills that will continue to be useful later in life. GB bands have not only helped me to become a better musician but a better person overall.”

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

Superintendent, Clarence Garner confirmed that Grand Blanc shares that desire stating, “As the Superintendent of Grand Blanc Schools, it is an honor to once again be recognized by NAMM as one of the ‘Best Communities for Music Education’. In Grand Blanc, we have been blessed with a Board of Education, parents, teachers, and most importantly, students who understand the importance that music plays in the development of a well-rounded individual. I am not sure anyone can truly appreciate the countless hours that our parents, staff, and students dedicate to ensure that music is an integral part of our community. Grand Blanc is a better place because of music and our goal is to ensure this continues well into the future!”

The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.