Peoria Unified was recently named a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education Award, presented by The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, for the district’s outstanding support and commitment to music education. With this recognition, Peoria Unified becomes the first west valley district to receive this designation two years in a row.

The Best Communities for Music Education Award is presented to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievements for providing music access and education to all students. Peoria Unified answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for music programs and community music-making programs.

“This award reflects Peoria Unified’s commitment to music education and the difference these programs make for our students,” said Peoria Unified Interim Superintendent Tahlya Visintainer. “I’m grateful to the entire Peoria Unified community, because this recognition celebrates the strong relationship among the district, our student performers and the audiences who enjoy their many performances.”

With over 20,000 students enrolled in a music course, Peoria Unified has a strong foundation of music educators who are highly qualified and certified in their content area. Building upon strong community relationships with the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, all third-grade students in Peoria Unified take a field trip to the MIM for a STEAM event directly tied to the science standards they are learning in the classroom. Additionally, Peoria Unified fosters relationships with Glendale Community College and in-state universities to provide student practicum opportunities for college students while allowing current Peoria Unified students to learn from collegiate-level professors through honor ensembles which culminate in community performances.

For more information about Peoria Unified’s art education programs, visit the district’s website at www.peoriaunified.org/artseducation.