DeSoto ISD: Best Community for Music Education

DeSoto ISD: Best Community for Music Education
Posted on 05/04/2023
Best Community for Music Education

DeSoto ISD to be recognized by the NAMM Foundation as a "Best Community for Music Education." 

 

“While DeSoto has received this distinction in the past, my goal was to recapture that recognition since we did not receive it in 2022,” said DeSoto ISD Director of Bands Delton Brown. “I am so pleased and happy to announce that DeSoto ISD has rightfully received the award! [...] another item that may be utilized when speaking of DeSoto's Triple-A Experience.”

 

DeSoto ISD was awarded this honor six consecutive years prior to 2022.

 

Founded in 2006, The NAMM Foundation represents the generosity and philanthropy of the music products industry. A supporting organization of NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, the NAMM Foundation is funded through trade association activities and donations.

 

The National Association of Music Merchants is a foundation that is acknowledged and respected throughout the music community at the national level and recognizes districts throughout the country by awarding this distinction. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation is pleased to celebrate this year’s list of Best Communities for Music Education (BCME). Now in its 24th year, the 2023 Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes 830 school districts and 78 schools across 43 states for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.

 

The Best Communities for Music Education Award provides:

  • National recognition

  • Community Recognition and community pride

  • Increased visibility of music education in your district, school, and community

  • Program validation of your school or district's support for music education

  • Program auditing tool for evaluating your music program

“We are deeply committed to connecting students to each strand of the Triple-A Experience in DeSoto ISD,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “With K-12 bands, choirs, dance, theatre, and art at schools across the district, students have a wide range of art exposure and experiences in DeSoto ISD. This award is a nod to the quality and caliber of our programs and what families and scholars have access to right here in DeSoto.”

Arts Accomplishments in DeSoto ISD


  • DeSoto ISD offers a K-12 arts-immersive curriculum for students interested in an arts-focused academic experience.


  • DeSoto has been named one of the best communities for arts education seven times in a row by the NAMM Foundation.


  • Arts scholars travel and compete nationally and internationally in a multitude of fine arts disciplines.


  • Choral scholars are training under highly decorated instructors including two-time Grammy-nominated and Grammy Award-winning Choir director Pamela Dawson who was selected for excellence in Music Education.


  • DeSoto ISD band programs are headed by a nationally recognized director, Delton Brown, and are a launch pad for students’ ability to pursue music at the collegiate level.


  • DeSoto ISD dance programs under the direction of Regina Tucker continue to shine on stage, winning a 2023 state championship title for their ability.


  • DeSoto ISD theatre programs offer full-scale productions of classical and contemporary pieces designed to give students front-of-house, center-stage, and back-of-house experiences.