Dr. Annette Griffin Superintendent of Schools May 2007 en Español

C-FB ISD Makes '100 Best Music Education Communities in Nation' List

The spotlight continues to shine on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District and the work of our students, faculty and staff. Recently, our district was recognized nationally for its commitment to music education. C-FB ISD was named as one of the "100 Best Music Education Communities."

The NAMM Foundation, its American Music Conference (AMC) division and a partnership of leading national music associations made the selection. Their mutual goal is to promote the benefits of active participation in music and music education.

The research for the national list begins with a web-based survey answered by thousands of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members and parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states. Survey participants answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, music program support, private music lesson participation, and other factors in their communities' music education program. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.

After a thorough examination, the NAMM Foundation selected 100 school districts from 31 states. The 2007 roster includes 12 Texas school districts.

In visiting with Jim McDaniel, our district's Executive Director of Fine Arts, the reasons why C-FB ISD made the list are countless; however, the major reasons are the outstanding community support, the district's commitment to curricular variety, quality teachers, and outstanding facilities. In fact, this is the second time that C-FB ISD has been recognized by these national organizations.

Music education in C-FB ISD begins in elementary school; our elementary music program is outstanding, and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) attendees saw first-hand what an incredible elementary music program we have when the McKamy Elementary Choir performed before them in February. And, this isn't the first time an elementary group has performed at TMEA. Each elementary school has a music teacher who does an incredible job in working with our young children. These music teachers help our elementary children learn about rhythm, vocal expression, movement, musical instruments and much more before they move into sixth grade.

Our middle and high schools include vocal and instrumental music programs. About 43 percent (5,400) of our secondary students participate in choir, band or orchestra. The accomplishments of secondary music this year are many; highlights include:

• Eleven qualified for All-State groups in choir and band and performed at the Texas Music Educators Associations conference. In researching the All-State database, we found that the first Carrollton-Farmers Branch student selected for an All-State Group was in 1974.
• Our district was the only one that had three performing groups chosen for the 2007 Arts Education Day at the Texas Capitol; of the 22 groups selected from across Texas, two were from Charles Blalack Middle School and one was from Ted Polk Middle School.
• The Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory class won the Regional AP Music Theory College Bowl team competition.
• Last year, 85% of the students taking the AP Music Theory exam scored a 3, 4, or 5 on this national college placement exam.
• Our students had many, many successes in UIL and national competitions in band, orchestra and choir.

We are so fortunate to have such an outstanding music faculty and staff. As a result, they are active in various music associations and are asked to share their expertise. They hold leadership roles on the regional and state levels and teach clinics and trainings for music teachers and directors.

the regional and state levels and teach clinics and trainings for music teachers and directors. I am proud of the national recognition that C-FB ISD has received for its music program because being involved in fine arts is connected to success in school and in life. And, I believe it's important for students, faculty and staff to know that the work they do is not only appreciated by the local community but the larger society in which we live.

As I visit our schools and see our music faculty and staff, they tell me how much they appreciate the financial support that this community gives to them and their students. The recent renovations at Newman Smith and R. L. Turner High Schools are just two examples of outstanding music facilities that we have in the district. But just as important, the staff and the students also thank the community for its continued attendance at their concerts and other events. All of us in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District appreciate your continued commitment to public education.

Report Archive