News Summary
Chesapeake Public Schools has earned the prestigious 2025 Best Community for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to exceptional music education, attributing success to the collaborative efforts of educators, parents, and students. Music supervisor Orion Burke emphasizes the importance of integrating music programs which prepare students for digital age challenges, including the launch of the new Tech Lab School. The recent achievements of the Oscar Smith High School Chamber Orchestra further underscore the district’s dedication to a comprehensive music curriculum.
Chesapeake – Chesapeake Public Schools has recently received the prestigious designation of a 2025 Best Community for Music Education from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, highlighting the school division’s commitment to providing excellent music education. This recognition serves not only to honor the curriculum and programs established within the district but also to underscore the collaborative effort made by teachers, parents, and students alike.
Orion Burke, the supervisor of music at Chesapeake Public Schools, noted that the distinction reflects a collective commitment throughout the entire school division. His passion for witnessing music being created in classrooms underscores the importance of music education as an integral part of student learning and development.
The NAMM Foundation, which oversees the recognition process, establishes national standards for music programs across the country. To keep the momentum going, Burke is spearheading the initiation of the Tech Lab School at Oscar Smith Middle School for the upcoming academic year. This innovative program aims to equip students with skills in music composition, familiarize them with digital audio workstations, and instruct them on the setup of microphones. Such initiatives are vital in adapting music education to the demands of the digital age.
While Chesapeake Public Schools takes pride in its strong classical music programs, Burke aims to expand their offerings to include digital music education, ensuring that students are prepared for contemporary musical landscapes. The commitment to a well-rounded music program is further evidenced by the recent achievements of the Oscar Smith High School Chamber Orchestra. The ensemble represented the school district at the American String Teaching Association National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, showcasing a talented group of approximately 25 young performers. This honor is particularly noteworthy, as only 15 to 20 schools from across the country were selected to participate in this prestigious event.
Burke has expressed that the integration of music education in schools is crucial for enhancing students’ academic performance in other subjects, as it fosters critical thinking skills and keeps students engaged in the learning process. He stresses the importance of art within education, characterizing it as the essential “human side” of teaching that enriches student experiences and outcomes.
Chesapeake Public Schools is not alone in its recognition, as several other school divisions in the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions have also been honored as Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. These include: Hampton City Schools, Newport News Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Northampton County Public Schools (Virginia), Suffolk Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, and York County School Division.
This collective recognition reflects a broader dedication within the region to foster strong music education programs, recognizing their vital role in student development and community engagement. The continued support and involvement of families, educators, and the broader community play an essential role in maintaining these standards, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students throughout Chesapeake and beyond.
As the school division moves forward, it remains committed to enhancing its music programs, ensuring they are vibrant, relevant, and aligned with the desires and needs of the modern educational landscape. With initiatives like the Tech Lab School and ongoing support from the community, Chesapeake Public Schools aims to uphold its reputation as a leader in music education for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Chesapeake Public Schools Music Program Recognized
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- Herald-Dispatch: Chesapeake Elementary Music Program Recognition
- Google Search: Chesapeake Public Schools music education
- Pilot Online: Luke Bryan Concert Impacts Schools
- Google Scholar: Music Education Programs
- WAVY: Chesapeake Named Best Community for Music Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
- Ironton Tribune: Chesapeake Elementary Achieves Music Education Recognition
