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

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District (RCS) has received the Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation for the seventh year in a row. This award is given to districts that show a strong commitment to comprehensive music education for all students. RCS was selected after providing detailed information about their music program, including funding, graduation requirements, student participation, instruction time, facilities, and community involvement.

The information was verified by school officials and evaluated by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Michelle McLoughlin, HS Choral Director and K-12 Arts Curriculum Specialist, thanked the students, teachers, families, and the RCS community for their support of the music department.

Studies show that music education has educational, cognitive, and social benefits for children. One study found that after two years of music education, students had improved speech processing and reading scores. Additionally, students who study music are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.

Music education also has benefits beyond academics. Children with music training have better everyday listening skills, which are important for understanding speech in noisy environments, maintaining attention, and remembering sounds. Adults who had music lessons as children have stronger sound processing, even if they no longer play an instrument.

Music education also has social benefits, including conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and the ability to give and receive constructive criticism. The article includes photos from this year's music program at RCS, demonstrating their commitment to music education.

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