Raytown School District’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition
The Raytown School District has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
The District is only one of 686 Districts nationwide, one of only six districts in the state of Missouri, and one of only two Districts in the Kansas City Metro to receive this designation.
This is the 22nd year for the Best Communities for Music Education designation, which is a national designation awarded to districts who demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation each District must answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses are then verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“This award would not be possible without the exceptional, highly-qualified music teachers throughout our district, and an administration and board of education that believes in the value of music education,” Raytown School District Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator Alex Kolster, said. “We have outstanding music teachers and students, and I’m proud to be one of six Missouri school districts to receive this honor.”
The Raytown School District has 25 music instructors around the District and a majority of which have completed their Master’s degree. The Strong Bonds, Bright Futures No Tax Increase Bond issue approved by the voters in April 2019 also included upgrades to music classrooms and auditoriums around the District.
“Raytown has an amazing array of talented students. This coupled with dedicated and passionate teachers has resulted in our high performing fine arts program,” Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Huff, said. “It just takes one evening listening to our select choirs, orchestras and bands or seeing the musical performances in one of our productions to get a clear understanding of the exceptional talent we have in Raytown. This award is a fantastic recognition but it is no surprise for those of us who know our programs.”
For more information about The NAMM Foundation and for a complete list of Districts who received the Best Communities for Music Education, visit www.nammfoundation.org.