WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, WCHS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Warsaw Community High School is very excited to receive this national NAMM Award,” said Troy Akers, principal of Warsaw Community High School. “Our excellence in music is certainly a collective and collaborative effort of our fine students, instructors and parents. The greater Warsaw community places a great emphasis on celebrating music and the entire performing arts program.”

“Students who study and perform in musical ensembles are preparing themselves not only to be musicians but better citizens by learning to be creative, collaborative and disciplined,” said Terrence Roe, assistant principal. “These qualities are in high demand in nearly every occupation our students will pursue. Receiving this designation confirms that the WCHS music staff is offering our students and community a top-quality music program that benefits the entire school community.”

This award recognizes that Warsaw Community High School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The legislation guides policy implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing, while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

“Music education has been important to me because I can’t live without it. It is a family that brings you through the tough times, and it gives you something to look forward to every day,” said Katharine Engler, WCHS senior.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. A series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University found a link between students in community music programs and lifelong academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well as learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

WCHS has an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students. The music program offers students the opportunity to participate in band, orchestra and choir. These ensembles have been recognized in the community and in the state for their high quality of performances. The music department is an integral part of the performing arts department at WCHS, with course offerings in theater, dance, and technical theater. WCHS is proud to have an active Performing Arts Center to support our student organizations but the PAC also offers a subscription series of professional performances and rentals offered to the community.