Do not be surprised if you hear music when you are near a Newport News public school. For the fifth year, the school system was recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
Newport News Public Schools is one of 754 school districts in the country to earn the distinction, and one of 21 in Virginia.
An aspect for the recognition is money allocated for music instruction. Secondary Music Lead Teacher Peter Mercier said this is particularly important because some school systems in the United States have cut funding for music programs.
Music instruction starts in kindergarten. Elementary students are taught music through songs, movement and instruments.
In middle school, students are offered string instrument lessons and the opportunity perform in an orchestra, said Pat Franklin, supervisor for visual and performing arts. Band instrument lessons are also available.
There are school districts that do not offer orchestra, she noted.
Guitar and music theory are also taught.
During the summer, the school system offers an intensive six-week program in music called the Summer Institute of the Arts for rising 8th grade through rising 12th grade students. The program also includes dance, theatre arts and visual arts. Unfortunately, the program cannot be offered this summer due to COVID-19.
Woodside High School includes an arts and communications magnet program.
Community performances are an integral part of the NNPS music program. Student musical ensembles have played at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, Patrick Henry Mall, and at numerous grand openings, groundbreaking ceremonies and dedications.
The designation looks at more than just what the school system has to offer, Mercier said.
“It also looks at what the community has to offer in the way of performance venues such as the concert halls like the Ferguson Center at CNU and the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach,” he said.
Franklin said the Peninsula community overall is supportive of the arts.
“From the Newport News Public Arts Foundation to the Downing Gross Arts Center and the Ferguson Center and much more, there are a lot of arts gems here,” she said.
Thank you for this article. Another element of NNPS music focus is its Soundscapes connections. Tell the community more.