Old Saybrook Public Schools Receives National Recognition for Music Education Program

Old Saybrook Public Schools has been honored with the Support Music Merit Award from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The Support Music Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The Support Music Merit Award is based on music program funding, graduation requirements in music and fine arts, music class participation, instructional time, music-specific facilities, and available support for the music program and community music-making programs. The applications are reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“I am most proud of our rate of participation in the music program,” said Jeremy Taylor, Old Saybrook’s Instructional Leader for Music and Fine Arts. “This year, our high school enrolls about 350 students, half of whom take Band or Chorus. Another 30 (non-band/chorus) are involved in Sound Engineering and Computer Music. That rate– over 50% participation in the music program– has held true for at least 50 years, which means that many of the adults in town are alumni of the OSHS Band and Chorus. This music program is deeply intertwined with the lives and experiences of the people in Old Saybrook; it really is a special place to teach music.”

Mr. Taylor went on to discuss how equity has been a crucial concern in the Old Saybrook music program for many years. He detailed the District’s approach to building a library of school-owned instruments so that band could be available to any student regardless of their financial status. Additionally, Old Saybrook Public Schools offers courses in sound engineering and music production to include students whose musical interests are in popular music such as hip-hop and rock. Old Saybrook High School also offers dual enrollment courses in Music Theory and Music History through the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience program, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

“I am so proud of our music students and teachers, as well as the community that supports them as they pursue their interests in music,” said Superintendent Jan Perruccio. “Every time a student learns to play an instrument or learns to sing, they are developing a lifelong skill. Some will use that skill in a vocation, and others will use it in their community. It’s such a gift.”

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.