[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16752-16753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        THE BEST 100 COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Farmington Public School District of Farmington, Michigan, for its 
outstanding achievement in music education. It was ranked number one 
(along with Coppell, Texas) on the list of 100 best communities in 
America for school music programs. This is a very special honor which 
emphasizes the importance of arts education to the lives of our 
children.
  The rankings were the result of a first-ever nationwide survey of 
more than 5,800 public schools and independent teachers, district 
administrators, school board members, parents, and community leaders 
representing communities in all 50 states. The web-based survey 
assessed many aspects of music education, such as funding, 
participation, student-teacher ratios, and quality of facilities. The 
results indicate that superior programs exist both in areas that 
possess a wealth of monetary and material resources, as well as in 
those that must rely on more innovative means of funding and 
implementing ambitious educational endeavors. The key element of 
success, found in each of the top 100 communities, is the dedication 
and support of parents, teachers, school decision-makers, and

[[Page 16753]]

community leaders. This landmark survey highlights the efforts of 
people who truly value quality music education and strive to make it a 
reality for today's youth.
  The partnership that sponsored the study was comprised of the 
country's top organizations devoted to music and learning. National 
School Boards Association President, Clarice Chambers, commented on the 
significance of the results: ``We already know that students who 
participate in music programs tend to be high achievers. Now we can use 
the data generated by this survey to identify the common 
characteristics of exemplary music programs. This information will be 
invaluable to school boards and communities as they go about the work 
of raising student achievement in their own school districts.'' 
Scientific research has revealed the impact of music education on a 
child's cognitive abilities, self-discipline, communication, and 
teamwork skills. The self-confidence gained through artistic 
accomplishment encourages kids to avoid drugs and alcohol and channel 
their energy into positive activities. Farmington's musical education 
program will serve as a model for shaping young lives in school 
districts across the nation.
  I applaud the City of Farmington for the wonderful music education 
program that it has established. It has truly earned its status as 
America's best place for music education, and I am sure will be a 
leader in the cultivation of musical talent for many years. On behalf 
of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate the City of 
Farmington, and wish the music education program continued success in 
the future.

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