Two local school districts have been recognized again for their dedication to music education.

For the eighth consecu­tive year, Wylie ISD has been named as a “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. For Pla­no ISD, this is the 21st consec­utive year for the national rec­ognition.

Fewer than 700 school dis­tricts across the United States earned this distinction, Wylie ISD stated in a news release. The NAMM Foundation cel­ebrates and recognizes the in­novative and resourceful music education programs in the Unit­ed States and the communities that support them.

Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is giv­en to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in ef­forts to provide music access and education to all students, the NAMM Foundation stated in a news release.

To qualify for the Best Com­munities designation, Glenn Lambert, executive director of fine arts with Wylie ISD, an­swered detailed questions about funding, graduation require­ments, music class participa­tion, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Plano ISD answered the same questions. Respons­es were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

For the full story, see our April 22 issue or subscribe online.

By Don Munsch • [email protected]