Richmond Public Schools has received the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
For 23 years, the designation has been awarded to districts demonstrating outstanding achievement in providing access to music and education to students.
“Being selected as one of the Best Communities for Music Education for the first time provides an opportunity to showcase the outstanding music programs provided by RPS and is a testament to the dedication of our fine arts teachers who provide exciting and rigorous music education to RPS students of all ages,” said Superintendent Jason Kamras.
“Music education is an essential part of educating the whole child,” added Christie-Jo Adams, fine arts coordinator for RPS.
RPS offers music education at all grade levels, starting at kindergarten. Visual art and general music are offered to all elementary students, and band and orchestra starting in fourth grade. RPS is also the only school division in Virginia that of- fers K-12 harp instruction.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music-making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.
