Avon Lake Schools Among Best In Nation For Music Education

AVON LAKE, OH — The Avon Lake Schools have been named recipients of a 2021 Best Communities for Music Education Award.

Avon Lake is one of only 686 school districts nationwide to receive the designation this year. The award honors districts for their commitment to music education and providing access to music for all students.

The award is given by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. In the past 19 years, the Avon Lake School District has earned the distinction 16 times.

"In the Avon Lake City School District the thought of ‘not having music’ was never given credence,” said Emilio Jarufe, Avon Lake High School choral director. “From the onset of the virus in March of 2020, the staff and administration worked diligently to establish the safest, most effective way to have performing music classes at as many levels as possible. Our staff has followed the research, adapted best practices for our students, and continues to modify operating procedures based on those recommendations which keep our students safe. Due to the pro-active nature of our administration, teachers, and students, 2021 has been a year of growth and inquisition in student learning and success."

To qualify for the award, Avon Lake Schools provided comprehensive information about its music program funding, graduation requirement, music class participation, music instructional time, facilities, support for music programs and community music-making programs. Reviewers also assess the quality of the district's music faculty and budgetary commitment to music education.

"In past years, schools and districts had to work hard to create successful music and arts communities,” said Mary Luehrsen executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “But, never before has the battle been so hard-fought against silence and a feeling of isolation. We applaud with all our hearts the commitment of so many to assure students continue with deep and rich music learning.”