2022 Best of Music Education Flyer

SFPS has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

“The recognition is truly a celebration of SFPS’ efforts to improve, sustain and build music programs.  It affirms the work by our music education coordinator, April Pickrell, and her team to strengthen and maintain our music programs,” said Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez.  “We are proud that music education is treated as a core academic subject in our schools,” he said.

“I am so proud that Santa Fe Public Schools has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education for the 8th year by the NAMM Foundation, recognizing commitment and support to music education and the benefits it offers students!  Thank you to the community for your support of music education!” said Santa Fe Public Schools Music Education Coordinator April Pickrell.

Researchers have found that after two years of music education, participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers.  Students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college, with listening skills stronger in musically trained children. 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, SFPS 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 reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.