For the 10th consecutive year, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education.

The program honors schools and school districts for remarkable efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of the core curriculum. Less than 5 percent of school districts across the nation earn this prestigious award.

"Music and the arts are crucial components of transformational learning," said VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. "We are honored to be recognized once again for providing a creative and nurturing environment that encourages critical thinkers and fosters success for whatever career paths our students choose."

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, VBCPS 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 VBCPS is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act," said John Brewington, the division's fine arts coordinator. "The benefits of a strong music program extend far beyond the program itself; the primary benefit will always be the incomparable joy that good music brings to peoples' lives. This recognition is also largely due to the support and commitment of our music educators."

VBCPS employs 140 music teachers, providing instruction to students in all grades as early as kindergarten.

The division also offers the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, where students involved in the music curriculum develop an understanding of music composition, theory and production and explore career possibilities in music education, music composition and music business.

For more information about VBCPS and its dedication to the arts, please visit vbschools.com.

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Department of Communications and Community Engagement, [email protected]

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