The Freeport Public School District has been named a 2018 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This prestigious distinction is earned by school districts across the nation that exhibit exceptional efforts and commitment toward maintaining music education as part of the schools' core curriculum, excel in their instruction of music and in their extensive array of music programs offered to students.
"This national distinction is a testament to the importance Freeport Public Schools places on music education in the lives of our students ," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Our Board of Education, administration, staff, and community members have been staunch supportors of our music and performing arts programs, giving our students incredible opportunities. We are proud to be named a Best Community for Music Education."
Freeport's renowned music department fosters strong and positive relationships between its students and staff and annually hosts districtwide collaborative events for peace and Black History month. The talented music staff, combined with the music curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Arts Standards, have led the district and its music students to achieve numerous accolades and honors, including semifinalist status in the Grammy in the Schools competition and Gold Level recognition by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. This year was the first year that the district offered Advanced Placement Music Theory at Freeport High School; hosted a Tri-M Music Honor Society, inducting 47 outstanding students. Students in various ensembles have routinely been invited to perform at prestigious venues, such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and numerous local, community, state and national events.
Director of Arts and Community Relations Ruth Breidenbach said, "Together, teachers and students create a culture of music excellence and enjoy a sense of belonging to a family." This school year, 23 music teachers have provided music instruction to approximately 2,000 students districtwide. There are seven orchestras, 11 bands, 13 chorus groups, three mariachi bands, two jazz bands and several unique student-led groups, including brass, string, saxophone and chorus ensembles. A new districtwide chorus, developed for students in grade 4-12, debuted at this year's Black History celebration.
Sixty-two members of the Class of 2018 will graduate from the music program at Freeport High School, with approximately 50 percent committed to majoring, minoring or incorporating music into college programs such as music education, music performance, music therapy and music business. These students plan to attend schools including the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Hofstra University, Molloy College and SUNY Purchase, having benefited immensely from the wide range of opportunities afforded them by the Freeport Public Schools' robust and award-winning music program.
