Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District Honored for Music Education for Seventh Year Running

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District (RCS) has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for the seventh year in a row. This designation is awarded to districts that show a strong commitment to comprehensive music education. The selection process required RCS to provide information about their music program, including funding, graduation requirements, student participation, instruction time, facilities, and community involvement. This information was then verified and assessed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

Michelle McLoughlin, the High School Choral Director and K-12 Arts Curriculum Specialist at RCS, thanked the community for their support of the music department, which she believes contributed to the award.

Research indicates that music education can improve brain processing related to speech and reading. Students who study music for two years show significant improvements in these areas compared to students who do not study music. Additionally, students who study music are more likely to graduate high school and continue their education.

Music education can also improve listening skills, which are important for understanding speech in noisy environments, maintaining attention, and remembering sounds. Adults who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound, even if they have not played an instrument for many years.

Music education can also improve social skills, such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and the ability to give and receive feedback. The recognition of RCS as one of the Best Communities for Music Education highlights the value of music programs in student development.

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