Sept. 14, 2023 - For the fourth year in a row, Comal ISD’s music program has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
“We are proud to receive this honor for a fourth consecutive year,” said Gary Cooper, Comal ISD fine arts director. “This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our 71 music educators from elementary to high school.”
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Something that Comal ISD continues to do.
In fact, 17,391 students from kindergarten through 12th grade are enrolled currently in a music class this school year. With a recent district enrollment of 29,352, that means that more than half of the student body is involved in music education across the district.
“This award showcases how Comal ISD has made music education a priority and provided students with great opportunities to learn and perform music not only in our schools but in our communities as well,” said Cooper.
Students in Comal ISD begin their music education in kindergarten and have opportunities to continue learning through their senior year in high school. The district’s music education includes various vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as individual opportunities.
To qualify for the Best Communities for Music Education designation, Comal ISD annually responds to detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities support for the music program and community music-making programs.
-The Pieper High School drumline performed at the 2023 Opening of Schools Ceremony in August.
-The Danville Middle School choir performed at the 2023 Night of Stars celebration in May.
-The Freiheit Elementary School choir performed at the 2023 Night of Stars celebration in May.