Rockwall ISD Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

For the ninth consecutive year, Rockwall ISD has been honored with the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education designation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.

Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites in the country were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs. 

“I’m so excited for this recognition of the hard work that our music educators do,” said fine arts director Ben Sumrak. “Our students have many opportunities in and outside of school in music, thanks to our school district and community.”

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Rockwall ISD 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 leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown. 

Rockwall ISD provides a high quality fine arts education that is designed to support academic, social, emotional, and creative development. This goal is achieved through a comprehensive performing and visual arts curriculum that provides a wide range of learning experiences and performance opportunities.

Fine arts education in Rockwall ISD begins in Kindergarten and continues through the high school years. In each K-6 elementary school, certified, degreed art and music specialists teach students. At the middle school, students will select band, orchestra, choir, visual arts, and/or theater as their fine arts course, and many students will have the opportunity to choose two or more fine arts courses. Fine arts course selections in high school include band, orchestra, choir, theatre, dance, visual arts, and piano lab.

 About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.