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PHARR – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has been honored with the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education national designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the seventh consecutive year PSJA ISD has earned this recognition.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, PSJA ISDprovided detailed information about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Congratulations to all our students and directors,” said Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “Earning this award consistently shows our relentless commitment to offer high quality extracurricular programs for our students. We thank our board of trustees, faculty and overall community for their continued support.”
The 2021 Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes PSJA ISD’s efforts in leading the way with music learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation signed into law in December 2015 and awaiting state implementation designates music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.
At PSJA ISD, students can participate in the following superior music programs: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band and Mariachi. In addition to this, the district will be offering Conjunto Groups at all high schools starting the 2021-2022 school year.
The district’s Fine Arts program also recently celebrated more than 220 band, orchestra and choir students as they advanced to the UIL State Competition.
“Congratulations to students, parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and board members for PSJA ISD being named a Best Community for Music Education,” said PSJA Fine Arts Director Jon Taylor. “This award reflects the entire PSJA family’s support for music education and its many benefits.”
For more information about the PSJA Fine Arts Program, visit www.psjaisd.us/whypsja.
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