About Our School
Page Navigation
Baldwin UFSD’s Music Education Program Nationally Recognized
NAMM Designates District “Best Communities for Music Education” Five Consecutive Years
For the fifth consecutive year, Baldwin Union Free School District (UFSD) is proud to announce it has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from The NAMM Foundation, nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world, for its outstanding commitment to music education.
Now in its 22nd 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. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.
“Throughout the pandemic, the Baldwin Union Free School District has supported the music program, helping our faculty find new ways to foster student learning and growth,” stated André Poprilo, director of fine and performing arts for Baldwin UFSD. “While our modifications are obviously less than ideal for the performance world, we have been successful in continuing music education across the district with minimal interruption. It is through this lens that schools and school districts are being recognized by the NAMM Foundation, and we could not be any prouder of our students, faculty and staff, administration and community during this time.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Baldwin UFSD answered detailed questions 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.
Baldwin UFSD’s comprehensive music program begins at the elementary level, where students participate in small group lessons on band and orchestral instruments. Baldwin Middle School students take music classes, perform in grade-level concerts, and play in musical groups, including chorus, band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, marching band, and drumming club. By high school, students have their choice of three graduated bands, two graduated orchestras, and two choirs, not including the extracurricular activities, such as the jazz band. The musical capstone ensembles include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Concert Choir, which perform repertoire at NYSSMA levels IV through VI.
For more information about the districts’ award-winning music program, including recent accolades, visit the Fine and Performing Arts section of the Baldwin UFSD website.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.