District 518 Receives Music Education Award

District 518 Schools have been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, District 518 Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

Our District 518 music program exemplifies the district’s mission of excellence in action by continuing to provide many opportunities for our students. Traditionally our music programs are built with support to continually improve and excel. We are proud of our student musicians, staff, and supportive community, states John Landgaard, District 518 Superintendent.

Music is an integral part of the fabric of Worthington, Minnesota. It’s the heartbeat of many of our beautiful cultures represented here, and from the time students enter kindergarten, music is a regular part of their education. As students advance into middle school and high school, thoughtful scheduling allows them to participate in band, choir, and orchestra – an aspect of our program that is critical to our strength and success.

Community performance ensembles (City Band, WASO, and Chamber Singers) allow community members to continue making music throughout their lives while also developing organic and collaborative relationships with high school musicians. Our city auditorium enriches our community further with a yearly performance series that also connects our students and community with artists throughout the country.

Simply put, Worthington understands that music provides our students a common ground with which to explore our humanity and the world around us. We don’t have to speak the same language or share the same beliefs to create something beautiful together. Music is critical to a complete public-school education, and we are proud to be music educators in Worthington, MN, statement from our District 518 Music Department.