Carmel Schools Named a 2022 Best Community for Music Education

For the ninth consecutive year, Carmel Central School District’s music program has been honored with a 2022 Best Communities for Music Education designation by the NAMM Foundation, a non-profit supported by the National Association of Music Merchants.

This impressive designation was awarded to the District for outstanding achievement in its commitment to provide music access and education to all students. The district is among only 738 school districts nationwide to receive this honor.

“I am extremely proud of the CCSD Music Department for once again receiving this award,” said Meghan Cabral, district director of music. “The students in the department have worked so hard to support not only their school community with their performances, but also the Carmel community at large. We are honored to be able to showcase and share their wonderful talent with the community.”

“I am so proud of the staff and students for earning the Best Community for Music Education designation,” said Superintendent Mary-Margaret Zehr. “As seen in our student performances, there is a tremendous amount of talent in our district, and our staff works tirelessly to provide the best possible music education.”

To be selected, the District had to provide detailed information about its funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, facilities, support for music programs in the District and community among other data. The information was verified by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Carmel Central School District students in grades K-12 receive music education where they are learning to not only perform but to appreciate a variety and diverse selection of musical works,” said Cabral.

Each of the three elementary schools in the district offers a Grade 4 Chorus that hosts an end-of-year celebration each June. Students have the opportunity to join band, orchestra or chorus beginning in Grade 5 and in Grades 7-8 they can join the jazz band, clarinet choir, select strings or the rock ensemble.

At the high-school level, the Music Department offers Advanced Placement courses in music theory, comprehensive music and music history, and nine different ensemble classes. High school students can also participate in the Tri-M Music Honors Society, Jazz Band, Belle Voce chamber choir, as well as the annual musical or pit orchestra.

In November, Carmel High School was represented by 38 student-musician performers in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Zone 10 Area All-State Festival. Additionally, two students were selected out of hundreds of New York State students to participate in the NYSSMA All-State Honors Ensembles in Rochester, and one student was accepted into the All-Nationals Ensemble.

In line with its mission to educate the whole student, the district remains dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education that offers opportunities for students to discover and pursue their passions.