Gates Chili Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education!

“Music education and the arts are an integral part of the Gates Chili experience, and we are so proud to be recognized with this award,” said Superintendent Christopher J. Dailey.

Now in its 24th year, 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, Gates Chili answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We continue to look for ways to give students rich, authentic experiences in the arts,” explained Dailey. “From opening the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center and state-of-the-art music and art classrooms to provide students with the space to further develop and explore the arts, to partnering with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) to integrate music education into the classroom, I know this national recognition will only further motivate our Spartans to achieve great success in their music education.”

“The benefits of music education to a student’s life are immeasurable,” said Katie Coon, director of secondary education. “Music education supports all learning, stimulating language skills, developing a great work ethic, fostering a spirit of collaboration and helping students to build confidence.”

Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs. During the pandemic, music and arts programs were a vital component to keeping students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.