The Baldwin County School District was named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for the 10th consecutive year. Baldwin is one of 14 districts in the state to have earned a distinction this year.
“Our goal is to move the needle forward. We have a great music education program and throughout the year our performances and accolades showed we continued to move that needle forward,” said James McMillan, BCSD Fine Arts Department Chair and director of bands. “The NAAM continuing to award us shows we are doing the right stuff.”
BCME recognizes “outstanding efforts” by leaders who make “music education a part of a well-rounded education.” Those who earn the designation “demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education,” according to the NAMM website.
According to the Baldwin Beat, the Baldwin County School District completed a rigorous evaluation process by the arts research firm WolfBrown. It evaluated music funding and access, graduation requirements, student participation in music courses, instructional time and scheduling, music facilities and equipment, and community support and music-making opportunities. These submissions were verified by district leadership.
“This designation shows there is a support system in place. Our district ensures we get what we need to ensure our students are as successful as they can be,” said McMillan.
McMillan credits Superintendent Dr. Noris Price and Fine Arts Consultant Jay Wucher for putting fine arts at the forefront of the district’s education.
“We would not have come so far without their leadership and support,” said McMillan. “Dr. Price has strong feelings toward music education and fine arts in general, knows what it can do for a child. Fine Arts can be the motivator for a student to come to school and to work harder.
“Music education uses all parts of the brain and students are encouraged to take part in multiple programs where they will learn a variety of life skills that can be applied to the future.”
McMillan has met with incoming Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks and foresees continued growth in the Fine Arts Department as the district transitions to her leadership.
“Dr. Brooks has been very complimentary of our fine arts programs. She said that she was looking forward to working with a well-established program,” said McMillan. “We have a system in place that is working well, and I believe she will keep the ball rolling.”
The “needle” is moved based on state evaluation events and commentary offered to the programs each year during their annual performances.
“We attend a lot of state evaluated events with judges, consultants, and people hired to give advice to help you grow. The Georgia Music Educators Association events that we attend year after year are what allow us to see the substantial growth in our music programs,” said McMillan.
Music education begins early in Baldwin through general music classes starting in kindergarten and the beginning band class that starts at the third-grade level. According to McMillan, beginning band classes are a “rarity” in Central Georgia and there are many districts that also do not offer general music at such an early age.
“Each year we earn this distinction is a special year. To be able to do this for 10 years in a row is a special case,” said McMillan. “This is a national award, and it shows our dedication from a young age to promote fine arts and music, to teach these skills, and offer motivations to our hardworking students.”