The NAMM Foundation has once again recognized the Long Beach Public Schools as being among the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education. This is the district’s sixth year earning this distinction.
    
The BCME designation is granted to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This award recognizes that Long Beach is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act, which recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.

More than 1,600 students participate in the district’s 36 bands, orchestras and choral ensembles. Long Beach High School presents students with further musical experiences such as guitar and IB Music courses, as well as the Tri-M Music Honor Society. The marching band participates annually in the Newsday Marching Band Festival at Hofstra University and the Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

A number of musical achievements have been earned in the Media, Visual and Performing Arts Department. In this school year alone, four students were selected as All-State musicians, eight were selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association concerts and 58 were named All-County musicians. One student was accepted to the National Association for Music Education’s prestigious All-National Mixed Choir, and the high school was identified as a GRAMMY Signature School semifinalist.

“We are thrilled to continue this tradition of excellence,” said Director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts Julia Lang-Shapiro. “Thank you to our Board of Education and administration, staff members, community and dedicated students for making music such a valuable part of education Long Beach.”