Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District was recently named one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the U.S. for the sixth consecutive year.
According to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, Edinburg CISD is one of 686 school districts across the nation recognized for its outstanding music education programs.
“Congratulations to an amazing and talented group of music educators at Edinburg CISD! I am so proud of the passion, dedication, and perseverance that is demonstrated every day to our students,” said ECISD Fine Arts Director Nelinda Villarreal.
Although there continue to be many challenges this year, Villarreal said that the District’s music teachers created many opportunities for students to shine, such as offering rigorous music education in a virtual setting.
“A round of applause goes out to ECISD Superintendent Dr. Mario Salinas, the Board of Trustees, and all District administration for their continuous support and commitment in providing every child a quality music education,” Villarreal said.
Edinburg CISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs to qualify for the Best Communities designation. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This school year, the District’s Fine Arts Program was also honored with the 2020 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA). Edinburg CISD is among only 42 school districts in the state and one of just two school districts in the Rio Grande Valley to earn the state award.
According to TAEA, only the top four percent of the state’s districts received the honor of providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and reach all different learners.
Edinburg CISD offers several fine arts courses that begin at the elementary school level and continue into the high school level, including music, choir, mariachi, guitar, art, band, and orchestra.
For more information on the ECISD Fine Arts Program, call (956) 289-2300.
