Hilton, one of "Best Communities for Music Education" in the country; among 179 in nation

Hilton recognized for third time by NAMM Foundation: 2011, 2010 and 2008

The NAMM Foundation of Carlsbad, California has released its annual “Best Communities for Music Education” awards which acknowledge schools and districts across the country for their commitment to and support of music education in schools. This year, Hilton Central School District has been designated a “Best Community,” the third time since 2008.  Each school district honored demonstrates a commitment to providing music education for their students as well as celebrating schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum.  Winning districts were measured across curricular and programmatic criteria as well as public support of their music programs. The survey was developed and administered by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.  

Hilton CSD Music K-12 Program Coordinator Nancy Russo, right. 

“Music education plays a vital role in student success in school and in life,” Hilton CSD Music Program Coordinator Nancy Russo said. “The Hilton School District’s staff and students are engaged on a daily basis in musical activities which enhance all other aspects of students’ life. This award identifies communities which exemplify a strong commitment to music education.”   Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the grading process. Applicants 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 responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data. The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. The Hilton Central School District has been again named one of the nation's "Best Communities for Music Education" by NAMM Foundation. 

NAMM 2010   Only 174 school communities in the nation were recognized in 2010 and Hilton CSD is one of five districts in Monroe County: Hilton CSD, Pittsford CSD, Rush-Henrietta CSD, Webster CSD and West Irondequoit CSD.  The districts were selected on the basis of a survey which measured curricular and programmatic criteria as well as public support of music programs which was administered by the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

With GRAMMY Signature School finalist recognitions in 2011, 2010 and 2004, a nationally-ranked Percussion Drumline, the widely-known and loved Crimson Cadet Marching Band, a noted Jazz Ensemble which plays each year at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, many community and area concerts, as well as an outstanding faculty supported by the community-based Hilton Music Boosters, it is not surprising that Hilton Central School District has been named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation [National Association of Music Merchants].

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.  

For further information: Music in the Our Schools or contact Program Director Nancy Russo may be reached at 585-392-1000 ext. 2284.