Continuing a longstanding tradition, Garland ISD recently received its ninth Best Communities for Music Education title from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This distinction honors districts that demonstrate a commitment to providing music access and education to all students.
GISD qualified for the award by answering detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were then verified and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“The Garland Independent School District has a longstanding tradition of offering quality music education to its students,” said Director of Visual and Performing Arts George Jones. “The fact that this is the ninth year that we have earned this distinction is an affirmation of the great work of our teachers and students, as well as the strong support we receive from our district and communities.”
Garland ISD’s multiple Best Communities for Music Education designations also affirm the district is leading the way with learning opportunities that provide a well-rounded education for all children. In a series of studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and lifelong academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the university, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.
Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.
To learn more, visit the district’s Visual and Performing Arts webpage.