Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District has recently been acknowledged for its exceptional dedication to music education, earning the title of one of the nation's "Best Communities for Music Education." Dr. Bryan Davis, the superintendent of OASD, expressed his gratitude by stating, "This is an incredible honor." He attributed the recognition to the hard work of the district's music educators, students, and their families, highlighting their collective commitment to the transformative power of music education.

The OASD strongly believes in the benefits of music education and its positive impact on student success. Recognizing the importance of music in a well-rounded curriculum, the district offers formal music instruction starting as early as kindergarten. Students from grades K-5 enjoy weekly music classes, while those in sixth grade can choose to participate in band, choir, or orchestra as part of their core course load.

At the high school level, students have the opportunity to engage in various music programs such as band, choir, and orchestra, as well as specialized courses tailored for students with special needs. The district also provides unique musical outlets like madrigals, drumline, and jazz ensemble performances. Furthermore, Oshkosh North and Oshkosh West high schools showcase musical productions in the winter and offer diverse music courses throughout the year, including jazz, music technology, and musical theater.

To ensure equitable access to music education, the OASD has implemented initiatives like a multi-year instrument replacement plan and the elimination of instructional material fees for students. These efforts aim to remove financial barriers and make music education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

In addition to its year-round music education programs, the OASD offers summertime learning opportunities such as high school summer marching band, jazz ensemble, choir camp, and orchestra lessons. The district's commitment to fostering musical interests among students is further exemplified by its partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, offering college-level dual credit courses in music theory and American Popular Music and Culture.

The recognition as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" was achieved through the OASD's diligent efforts in various aspects of music education, including funding, graduation requirements, class participation, instruction time, facilities, and community music-making programs. The responses provided by the district were rigorously verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

The NAMM Foundation, which bestowed this prestigious recognition, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting active participation in music-making. Supported by the National Association of Music Merchants and its global members, the foundation's mission is to advance music participation across all age groups through scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.

For more information about The NAMM Foundation, individuals are encouraged to visit nammfoundation.org.