The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation has named Gwinnett County Public Schools as one of the best communities for music education.

In NAMM’s 13th annual survey, GCPS again made the national designation. Among the 237 districts nationwide that participated, 176 made the cut and were designated as the “Best Communities for Music Education in America.”

Gwinnett made the cut. Each district or school receiving the “Best Communities” designation had to have scored in the eighth percentile or higher in the grading process.

According to a press release from GCPS, school systems were chosen based on their music curriculum, programs and public support. The survey included questions about music education funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, and facilities and support for music programs.

In Gwinnett:

• About 99,000 students were enrolled in music education courses during the 2011-2012 school year.
• All of Gwinnett’s 77 traditional elementary schools offer music education courses.
• 26 Gwinnett middle schools offer music education courses
• 18 High schools offer music education courses.
• Several of the district’s special entities such as its charter schools and technical education campuses offer music courses.
• More than 250 of Gwinnett’s educators are teachers certified to teach music.

Music education may include band, orchestra, general music, jazz band, marching band, chorus, piano, guitar, music technology, music recording and music theory.

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music.

Established in 1999, The Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in America survey is a nationwide search for communities who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education. The BCME survey is designed and implemented in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin) of Lawrence, Kan., an affiliate of the University of Kansas.